John Sattler was a legendary rugby league player known for his rugged playing style and leadership on the field. As the captain of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, he led the team to four consecutive premiership victories from 1967 to 1971, cementing his place in Australian rugby league history. Although he had an aggressive playing style, Sattler was known for his gentle and kind personality off the field, earning him the nickname “Gentleman John.”
He was born in Telarah, New South Wales in 1942 and grew up in Kurri Kurri where he attended Marist Brothers High School in Maitland. He began playing rugby league at the age of 16 for Kurri Kurri before moving to Sydney in 1963 to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs. It was there that he made a name for himself as a dominant prop forward and was appointed team captain in 1967.
With his leadership, he was instrumental in Souths’ success, and he also represented Australia in four Tests, three of which he served as national captain. In 1969, he led his team to the Grand Final, where they lost to Balmain. Although he was disappointed, He remained a beloved figure in Australian rugby league and continued to inspire future generations of players.
After 195 games with South Sydney, Sattler signed with Brisbane Western Suburbs in 1973. He retired from rugby league the following year, ending a remarkable career that saw him become one of the most respected and beloved players in the sport’s history. His legacy continues to inspire and influence rugby league players and fans around the world.
Meet John Sattler Son, Scott
Scott Sattler, the son of John Sattler, is a well-known rugby league player who won a premiership with the Penrith Panthers in 2003. In June 2021, Scott revealed that his father had been diagnosed with dementia in 2020, shedding light on the challenges faced by former rugby league players after their careers are over. Despite the difficult news, Scott has continued to honor his father’s legacy and is a respected figure in the rugby league community. John Sattler also had three other children, Matthew, Kristy, and Daniel, who are part of his proud legacy as a beloved rugby league player.