We lost a true legend yesterday.
John Sattler got sucker punched by a Manly player in the opening minutes of the 1970 NSWRFL Grand Final, breaking his jaw - he refused treatment or substitution and played the remainder of the game with the injury, only going to hospital after he had lifted the J.J. Giltinan Shield (now the prize for the NRL Minor Premiership) with his teammates.
Satts embodied the Rabbitoh spirit - never give up and never say die - and won 4 of Souths' 21 premierships as our captain.
His performance that day and as a fearless leader of South Sydney inspired Sam Burgess' heroics in our 2014 NRL Premiership, playing all but 7 seconds of that match with a broken face from the opening tackle. His son Scott had his own Grand Final moment when he (a forward like his dad) chased down Roosters winger Todd Byrne and dragged him into touch in the 2003 Grand Final, helping the Panthers win their 2nd premiership.
Rest in Peace "Gentleman John" - the half-rabbit has never been so fitting.
