- Great of the game played 165 first-class matches for the Bunnies
- Helped the club to two premierships, played for Australia
- Also achieved 16 Tests and six matches for New South Wales
Footy fans are mourning South Sydney great Paul Sait, who has died aged 74 after playing a leading role in the club’s run to two premierships.
The center and lock produced 165 first-class appearances for the Bunnies in a distinguished career that lasted from 1968 to 1978 and passed away after a long illness, according to a statement from the club.
He played in three consecutive grand finals for the Rabbitohs, losing to Balmain in 1969 before recording a double as the club defeated Manly in 1970 and St George in 1971.
One of the club’s true greats, he was included in the Bunnies’ all-time dream team in 2004, was awarded life membership in 1991 and managed the team in 1977 and 1978.
Sait was a powerful lock/centre who helped Souths to grand final victories in 1970-71
He impressed so much during his time with the Bunnies that he was named in the club’s all-time dream team in 2004.
‘Paul is known as one of South Sydney’s great men of the Club’s third golden era, and his contribution is equal to that of [John] Sattler, [Bob] McCarthy [Ron] Coote and [Eric] Simms,” Souths CEO Blake Solly said Thursday.
“He found his way into a first grade team that won four premierships in five years, cementing his name in South Sydney folklore.
“He was recognized as one of the top two centers to play for this club in its first century, was named to our Dream Team, and fittingly was a life member of our club.”
Bunnies CEO Blake Solly said Sait (pictured) ‘enshrined his name in South Sydney folklore’
Sait played 16 games for Australia from 1970 to 1975, playing for the Kangaroos in the 1970, ’72 and ’75 World Cups, as well as representing NSW on five occasions.
“Paul Sait – we’re talking about a true Souths legend here,” former Souths halfback Craig Coleman told the Daily telegram.
‘He played in four or five different positions and was a champion in all positions.’
Sait was a mainstay of the side in Souths’ third golden era, which saw the Bunnies win the premiership in 1967, ’68, ’70 and ’71.
Keeping your place in that team was no mean feat, but Sait managed, scoring 31 tries during his time in red and green and breaking into the Kangaroos centers in just his third year in the top flight.