Rugby league Immortal Bob Fulton dead

The NRL world is in mourning after the death of rugby league Immortal Bob Fulton at the age of 73, following a long battle with cancer.

Fulton was selected as one of the initial four post-war league Immortals in 1985 and was named in Australia's team of the century in 2008 after a stellar career.

The Manly legend's death has rocked the rugby league world, where he was a beloved figure.

Following his retirement from playing and coaching, Fulton had been a staple in 2GB's Continuous Call Team alongside NRL commentator Ray Hadley.

"It's a very sad day for the family and rugby league in general," a heartbroken Hadley told 2GB Radio after Fulton's death.

Sydney Firsts centre Bob Fulton looks aggrieved that his airborne attempted tackle is too late to stop Country half-back Brian Burke's disputed try in the Rugby League match at the SCG yesterday. May 19, 1973. (Photo by John Patrick O'Gready/Fairfax Media).

"This is the saddest thing I've ever said on radio. I'm going to miss him, he was a great man … the most loyal friend I've ever had. He'll be sadly missed."

Fulton is survived by his wife Anne, sons Scott and Brett and daughter Kirsty.

Fulton made 219 appearances for Manly as a player between 1966 and 1976, scoring 129 tries as he won three premierships in 1972, 1973 and 1976.

He single-handedly won the 1973 decider against Cronulla after scoring two tries to take his side to victory.

Fulton was also a star at the representative level, appearing in 35 Tests for Australia where he scored 25 tries, as well as making 16 appearances for New South Wales.

Bob Fulton

Following his retirement in 1979, Fulton embarked on a long and successful coaching career.

He began his coaching career with Eastern Suburbs in 1980, before coaching Manly in two separate stints between 1983 and 1999, where he won premierships in 1987 and 1996.

Fulton also took on the job as Australia's coach in 1989, guiding the Kangaroos in 39 Tests. He was at the helm during successful 1990 and 1994 Kangaroos tours as well as winning the 1992 and 1995 World Cup Finals.

He remains one of two people alongside Mal Meninga to have gone on four Kangaroo tours, having toured as a player in 1973 and 1978 and the coach in 1990 and 1994.

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