Souths Legend John Sattler Dies

The rugby league world lost a legend today when the great John Sattler passed away aged 80.

Souths Legend John Sattler Dies
South Sydney legends from left, George Piggins, John Sattler and Bob McCarthy lead the march up George Street – Save Souths Rally at the Sydney Town Hall, Sunday Ocober 10th 1999. Photo by Colin Whelan

Courage

‘Satts’ will forever be remembered for his courage. The man who had his jaw shattered but played on to lead the Rabbitohs to Grand Final victory over Manly in 1970. Saturday nights clash with the Sea Eagles will be an emotional one as the rugby league world pays tribute to a sporting icon.

Courage – John Sattler

A Memory To Cherish

During my career at Souths John Sattler would often come into the dressing room after the game and sit down for a chat. He always made time to engage with young players like me. That is a memory I will cherish forever.

Satts Songs

Local musician Perry Keyes wrote a brilliant song titled ‘The Day John Sattler Broke His Jaw’.

“When the tears poured out like Reschs the day John Sattler broke his jaw.” Perry Keyes
Return to Redfern, Souths v Manly at Redfern Oval. Image by Renee McKay.

Last year I heard John Sattler singing the team victory song on SEN radio for his son Scott. I uploaded the audio to Bunnies TV and used a series of images to go with the words. If you haven’t listened please do, its fantastic hearing the legendary man singing a song that every South Sydney player knows so well.

John Sattler sings on SEN.

The Rabbitohs Statement

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are mourning the passing of Club and Rugby League legend, John Sattler, who passed away today aged 80.

Mr Sattler is written into South Sydney folklore as one of the greatest leaders the Club has ever had, playing in six Grand Finals, captaining the team in five of them, and leading the Club to four premiership-winning first grade titles in 1967, 1968, 1970 and 1971.

Souths Legend John Sattler Dies
John Sattler – Image dansnrlcollectables.com

He famously played 77 minutes of the 1970 Grand Final against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles with a broken jaw, leading the team to the Club’s 19th of 21 Premiership titles. Rabbitohs first grade player number 515, Mr Sattler played 195 first grade games for South Sydney between 1963 and 1972, scoring 12 tries for 36 points. He only ever played first grade for the Club.

Rugby League legend John Sattler raises his fists from the dias as he addresses the crowd – Save Souths Rally at the Sydney Town Hall, Sunday Ocober 10th 1999. Photo by Colin Whelan

Rabbitohs Chairman, Nicholas Pappas AM, paid tribute to one of the greatest players the Club has seen. As well as one of the Club’s greatest gentlemen.“If anyone is to epitomize the true spirit of the South Sydney Rabbitohs it is John Sattler,” Mr Pappas said. “John bled red and green. He would do anything for his team mates. He never took a backwards step. Sattler always led from the front…His favourite saying was ‘I play to win”.

The Rabbitohs will pay tribute to Mr Sattler at this Saturday’s game against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Accor Stadium.

Souths Legend John Sattler Dies.

By Steve Mavin for Bunnies TV.

2 comments

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  • My condolences to the Sattler Family those legends were my first games of this famous club and have been all of my life the players back then played hard tough games John will be sadly missed RIP

  • My deepest condolences to his family. 🙏🙏
    It is a well-written article and worthy of John’s achievement. It will be a memorable day. But we will honor John and always carry him in our hearts. Even I can say that, who unfortunately never met him, but I read his story and have tears in my eyes while reading this article.
    Red and green forever ❤️💚🇩🇪🖤🤍🙏