Tributes are flowing for Canterbury Bulldogs legend and former coach Steve Folkes, who died today at the age of 59.
The former star second-rower passed away after suffering a suspected heart attack.
Folkes played 245 first grade games for the Bulldogs between 1978 and 1991 before being appointed as the team’s coach in 1998.
He won four Premierships during his time playing for the Bulldogs and also played nine games for New South Wales in the State of Origin series and five Tests for the Australian national team.
Bulldogs chief executive Andrew Hill today said the club is “shocked and saddened” at Folkes sudden death.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“Steve symbolised everything that the Bulldogs stand for and was respected throughout the game for his toughness and determination. 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 his friends at this difficult time.”
In his first year in charge the Bulldogs made the NRL Grand Final, where they lost to the Brisbane Broncos.
Six years later in 2004, he took them to another Grand Final, this time winning the Premiership with star players Jonathan Thurston, Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Ryan and Braith Anasta.
He was also awarded the Dally M Coach of the Year award that season.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg, who previously worked with Folkes while he was Bulldogs chief executive, also expressed his sadness over the death.
“I’ve known him for a long time and it wasn’t that long ago that I saw him. He’ll be remembered as one of Canterbury’s greats. But more importantly known as a really great man,” he said in a statement.
“A family man who has done a lot of good things for rugby league in the community. I send my thoughts and condolences to his family and to his friends.”
Folkes later went on to other coaching roles at the Wests Tigers, St George Illawarra Dragons and the Australia women’s national rugby league team.
Folkes’ former teammates and former Bulldogs coaches today also remembered him as “a wonderful man” and “a great footballer”.
“Steve was such a wonderful man. He was obviously a great footballer, Test player, Origin player, Premiership winner, Premiership-winning coach – but more importantly – a great teammate,” former Bulldogs coach Phil Gould told 9NEWS.
“All of those that played with him, attested to the fact that he was such a wonderful man to have in your team.”
Graeme Hughes, who played with Folkes in the 1980s when the Bulldogs were among the League’s best, also said the second rower will also be remembered for his strength on the field.
“He played way, way, way above his weight – even from the early 80s, right through until he retired – but nobody hit harder in the game and if you talked to the guys of all of that era, they’ll tell you that when Steve Folkes tackled you, you knew you were hit,” he said.
“Clubs build premierships on, the very foundations of teams. If you go looking for that sort of person, you go looking for the Steve Folkes’.”
He was formerly married to Karen Moore, the daughter of former Bulldogs ‘Godfather’ chief executive Peter Moore, before her death in 2013. Folkes is survived by his two children, Hayley and Ben.
