Rugby league Immortal Bob Fulton dies, age 73

Tributes are pouring in after the sad passing of rugby league Immortal and Manly legend Bob Fulton this weekend. 

One of the greatest to ever play the game, Fulton died surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with cancer. 

He was 73. 

Veteran 2BG host Ray Hadley initially broke the news on Sunday morning. 

“It’s a very sad day for the Fulton family and rugby league generally,” an emotional 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 will be sadly missed.”

A versatile playmaker and centre, Fulton played 37 Tests for Australia between 1968 and 1978, while also making 16 appearances for New South Wales before State of Origin was introduced. 

A Manly icon for his entire life, Fulton played over 200 games for the club, winning premierships in 1972, ’73 and ’76.

Affectionately known as ‘Bozo,’ he ended his Manly career as the club’s leading try-scorer with 129. It’s a mark only bettered by Steve Menzies (151) and Brett Stewart (163).

Fulton played a further 50 matches over three seasons for Eastern Suburbs, before moving into the coaching ranks, winning premierships with Manly in 1987 and 1996.

In 1985, Fulton was selected alongside Clive Churchill, Johnny Raper and Reg Gasnier as the game’s first post-war Immortals. 

Nine years later, he was inducted as a Member of the Order of Australia for services to rugby league. 

Fulton’s passing comes six-and-a-half weeks after fellow rugby league legend Tommy Raudonikis also died following a long battle with illness.