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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
Scott Bailey

League great Bob Fulton dies, aged 73

Australian Rugby League great Bob Fulton (right) has died aged 73.

Rugby league is in mourning after one of the game's greatest ever players Bob Fulton died, aged 73.

A former Kangaroos captain, coach and selector, Fulton's figure over rugby league is one of the biggest in the sport.

He made his debut with Manly in 1966, and was part of the club's first three premiership wins - including in 1976 as captain.

The centre then made a shock switch to Eastern Suburbs, playing the final 50 of his last 269 games there.

One of the sport's initial four Immortals when the concept was unveiled in 1985, Fulton also played 35 Tests for Australia and 16 matches for NSW in the pre State of Origin era.

But that was only the beginning of Fulton's influence over the sport.

He returned to Manly as coach, winning titles in two separate stints at the club in 1987 and 1996.

The English-born ball-player also had success at international level, coaching Australia to 1992 and 1995 World Cup wins with victories in 32 of his 39 games in charge.

Fulton's former colleagues on 2GB radio broke down as they delivered the news on Sunday afternoon.

"It's a very sad day for the Fulton family and rugby league generally," Ray Hadley said.

"I've announced some sad things on radio but this could be the saddest.

"I'm going to miss him, he was a great man ... the most loyal friend I've ever had. He'll be sadly missed."

Australian Associated Press

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