Steve Folkes  Dead --Far too young to go....very sad day for Rugby League


Rugby league great Steve Folkes dead at 59
AAP / 3:09pm AEDT

Canterbury rugby league legend and premiership-winning NRL coach Steve Folkes has died aged 59, reportedly from a heart attack.


Bulldogs champion Steve Folkes found dead

Folkes, who also played in four Canterbury premiership-winning sides during the 1980s, coached the Bulldogs between 1998 and 2008 and took them to their last title in 2004.

"Steve played such a major part in the history of the Bulldogs, both as a player and coach, and was without doubt one of the giants of the club," chief executive Andrew Hill said.

As a player, Folkes was regarded as a hard-training back-rower who appeared in six grand finals for the Bulldogs, including their 1980, 1984, 1985 and 1988 successes.

Folkes won Dally M coach of the year in 2004. Pic: Getty

He regularly topped the tackle count in his playing days and was part of coach Ted Glossop's 1980 'Entertainers' side that brought the club their first Premiership in 38 years.

He was also an integral part of Warren Ryan's 'Dogs of War' from 1984 to 1987.

He also played five Tests for Australia and nine State of Origins for NSW between 1986 and 1988 to go with his 245 games for the Bulldogs.

Folkes celebrates the 2004 premiership with fans. Pic: Getty

He moved into Canterbury's coaching ranks, taking the side to the 1998 NRL grand final in his first season in charge before claiming the title six years later.

During his 11 seasons at the helm he coached players like Johnathan Thurston, Steve Price, Hazem El Masri, Andrew Ryan and Sonny Bill Williams.

He also formed part of one of the Bulldogs' most famous families, marrying the late daughter of Peter 'Bullfrog' Moore, Karen.

Most recently, he coached the Australian women's side between 2014 and 2016, and was set to coach the Moss Vale Dragons in Group Six country rugby league this year.

"Steve symbolised everything that the Bulldogs stand for and was respected throughout the game for his toughness and determination," Hill said.

"He never took a backward step and was loved by the fans for his courage and commitment to the club.

"His legacy as a Bulldog and what he did for the club will never be forgotten and our hearts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time."

Tributes immediately poured onto social media as the devastating news spread, with ex-Bulldogs players Willie Mason and Reni Maitua leading the charge.

I grew up watching guys like Steve Folkes, back in those days players like him were real 80 minute players.

This sad event shows the difference between Health and Fitness not many players were fitter than Steve Folkes.