Rugby league is in mourning after one of the game’s greatest ever players, Bob Fulton, died, aged 73.
Key points:
- Bob Fulton was named as one of the sport’s first four Immortals in 1985
- Fulton won three Premierships at Manly and played 219 of his 269 first-grade games at the club
- Fulton coached Australia to victory in the 1992 and 1995 World Cup
The former Kangaroos coach and star played 35 Test matches for Australia and was head coach from 1989-98.
He made his debut with Manly in 1966, and was part of the club’s first three premiership wins — including in 1976 as captain in what was his last game for the club.
The centre then made a shock switch to Eastern Suburbs, playing the final 50 of his last 269 games there.
One of the sport’s original four Immortals when the concept was unveiled in 1985, Fulton also played 35 Tests for Australia and 16 matches for NSW in the pre-State of Origin era.
But that was only the beginning of Fulton’s influence over the sport.
He returned to Manly as coach, winning titles in two separate stints at the club in 1987 and 1996.
The English-born ball-player, who grew up in Wollongong, also had success at an international level, coaching Australia to 1992 and 1995 World Cup wins with victories in 32 of his 39 games in charge.
He remains the only player to win a Premiership and Ashes series as a player, captain and coach.
Fulton’s former colleagues on 2GB radio broke down as they delivered the news on Sunday afternoon.
“It’s a very sad day for the Fulton family and rugby league generally,” Ray Hadley said.
“I’ve announced some sad things on radio but this could be the saddest.
“I’m going to miss him; he was a great man … the most loyal friend I’ve ever had. He’ll be sadly missed.”
Grandstand NRL expert John Gibbs said: “It is very sad. I played and worked with Bob, and he also coached me.
“Condolences to his family.”
AAP/ABC
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