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'Sad day': Rugby league rocked by tragic death of Bob Fulton

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
·3-min read
Bob Fulton, pictured here at the 2012 NRL Grand Final.
Bob Fulton at the 2012 NRL Grand Final. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

The rugby league community is mourning the tragic death of Manly legend Bob Fulton.

The former Kangaroos captain, coach and selector died on Sunday at the age of 73.

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Fulton had been battling cancer and died on Sunday morning surrounded by friends and family.

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

Geoff Toovey, Steve Menzies and Bob Fulton, pictured here after the 1996 ARL Grand Final.
Geoff Toovey, Steve Menzies and Bob Fulton after the 1996 ARL Grand Final. (Photo by Getty Images) (Getty Images)

“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.”

Rugby league rocked by Bob Fulton's tragic death

Fulton 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.

Graeme Langlands, Bob Fulton, Andrew Johns, John Raper, Ron Coote and Norm Provan, pictured here after being inducted into the NSW Team of the Century in 2008.
Graeme Langlands, Bob Fulton, Andrew Johns, John Raper, Ron Coote and Norm Provan pose on stage after being inducted into the NSW Team of the Century in 2008. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

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.

Fans and pundits took to social media in shock over the tragic news.

with AAP

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