“I was initially empty for words": Ron Coote reflects on being named the 14th Immortal

The NRL announced Ron Coote as the 14th and latest immortal during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the SCG on Wednesday night.

Coote’s legendary career spanned 1964-1978 which included 257 games for South Sydney and Eastern Suburbs. Coote played in nine Grand Finals across 11 seasons and won a total of six; four with Souths and back-to-back Premierships with Easts in the 1974 and 1975.

Coote told SEN that he was incredibly humbled when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that he would join the most exclusive and revered club in rugby league.

“I was initially empty for words,” Coote said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“Rugby league has always been a big part of my life. I knew I was in the mix (to be named) but I had absolutely no idea.

“The last four times the Immortals have been announced, I’ve been in (the conversation) and now, I’ve finally made it.

“I’m going to be 80 and have had a good life.”

Coote also touched on the controversial move during the 1971-72 off-season in which he left Souths to join cross-town rivals Eastern Suburbs.

“Souths were struggling at the time and you get a certain time in rugby league to try and get ahead as a young bloke,” Coote added.

“I moved over the Roosters because Souths were going bad.

“It was a great time for me and I loved making it to the final weekend. It was a big thing for me.”

Coote joins Mal Meninga, Andrew Johns and Wally Lewis as the only living immortals.