The Family of League Board, Committee volunteers and members join the rest of the rugby league community in applauding and celebrating the announcement of Ron Coote AM as our 14th Immortal. Ron’s stellar sporting career in rugby league is matched only by his tireless devotion to the welfare of the rugby league family he loves so much. The greatest expression of that is his co-founding of the Men of League Foundation in 2002, his Chairmanship of the Foundation for its first 15 years and his Honorary President role of Family of League Foundation.
On the field he was mesmerising. His personal qualities meant that, while his speed in attack with ball in hand set him apart, his work off the ball terrorising the opposition with textbook lower leg tackles that stopped them in their tracks, spoke to his work ethic. Playing both lock and second row, his list of representative honours is remarkable. He also made a huge impact on club football, playing in nine grand finals in the space of 11 seasons with Souths and Easts. He won four titles with Souths, two with Easts, and became the first player to appear in 100 premiership matches for two separate clubs.
In his family life he built a tight team with his wife Robyn who, with his daughters Donna and Natalie, his four grandchildren and great grandchildren, are his pride and joy. This teamwork extended to their McDonalds businesses which continue to grow as a family enterprise.
We salute you Ron. You were the player other players wanted to be on the field with and who coaches wanted to coach. We have always spoken of you as Family of League’s Immortal and we are so happy you now join the ranks of the game’s Immortals. You are simply without equal as a person of pure talent, leadership, selflessness and integrity in the game.
– Helen Wood Grant, Family of League Chair.