An emotional Ron Coote received a standing ovation at the SCG on Wednesday night when he was officially announced as the 14th Rugby League Immortal.
The 79-year-old was overcome by emotion when his name was read out by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, finally becoming an Immortal 43 years after he was considered in the inaugural intake. He sat for a moment to take it in before turning to kiss his wife, Robin, who was also teary.
Every person in the room stood up to applaud Coote as he made his way to the stage where he swapped his Hall of Fame jacket for an Immortal jacket.
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Coote played in nine grand finals and won six premierships — four with the Rabbitohs and two with the Roosters.
To many it was a no-brainer to elevate Coote to Immortal status, but the former Kangaroos captain couldn’t believe it was finally happening.
“I’m a bit taken for words at the moment,” Coote said before pausing to hold back tears.
“I never thought I’d be crying at 80, but I am.
“To me it’s just sensational, I never thought it’d happen. I’ve been at this function a few times and this time I got the gong so that’s really good to me, I really appreciate it. Thank you.”
Coote played over 250 top-grade games and 23 Tests for Australia. He continued leaving his mark on the game after he hung up the boots as he founded the Men of League Foundation — now known as Family of League.
Coote was asked by host Yvonne Sampson what he’s most proud of and he didn’t hesitate to credit his loved ones before sharing the moment he fell in love with rugby league.
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“I’d have to say my family, I’ve got a wonderful family and I’ve always put them first,” he said.
“I really appreciate everything that rugby league has done for me.
“I can go back to the days when I used to play junior league for Souths juniors and they were always supportive.
“When I was a kid I remember they took me to New Zealand — we had a tour — as a 12-year-old.
“We played two or three games over there and I thought ‘this game is for me, this rugby league is for me.’ And it has been.
“I’ve had a great life and I put that down to the opportunity I’ve been given through playing the game of rugby league, which I certainly admire today and see the great game it is and how it’s improved.
“I think it’s the greatest game in the world and I watch the TV to all hours because I can’t not watch it because it’s so good.
“That’s my story… I’d just like to say thank you to everyone tonight for their applause and say keep following rugby league because I’m sure you’ll get a lot of pleasure and satisfaction from the great game.”
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