Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—John Sattler epitomised what sport is all about in Australia. He was as tough as nails on the field, and in that premiership of 1970 he stoically played on after his jaw was broken, as the Prime Minister pointed out and as has been graphically detailed in the newspapers. It was stomach-turning to read it in the newspapers this morning, Prime Minister, and I could hear some stomachs churning on the other side as you went into some of the detail, so I'll spare further detail. But he was seemingly immune to pain. He stayed on after the siren to give a speech. He received cheering, roars and applause from the crowd, but he took no prisoners himself. His style of play earned him 15 send-offs and 30 weeks of suspension. There are some in this chamber who go close to that record, but not quite.

He captained Souths for four premierships and led the Kangaroos on three occasions. He was rightly named in the 100 greatest players list. He was a giant of his era. He helped rugby league become the great game that it is today. Importantly, off the field he was known as Gentleman John—a man who stayed loyal to his beloved South Sydney until he tragically lost his toughest battle, with dementia, on Monday at the age of 80. It's an opportunity to give a shout-out to all of those families who are going through the same torture with that evil disease for somebody that they love.

Our sporting champions are heroes to many. Many Australians lost a hero this week. On behalf of the coalition: we remember a man who was mighty on and off the field. Our thoughts are with John's family and friends and all those who support the beloved Rabbitohs.

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