‘Rest in Peace legend’: Rugby league community mourns the loss of Rabbitohs great Paul Sait

Rugby league fans are in mourning after the loss of South Sydney Rabbitohs great Paul Sait who sadly passed away at the age of 76 following a long illness.

In 1968, Paul Sait kicked off his journey with South Sydney, making a stellar debut against Western Suburbs. Over 223 grade games, including 165 in first grade, Sait showcased his skills, scoring 30 tries and earning 90 points.

A standout at centre and lock, Sait played a crucial role in South Sydney’s victories in three first-grade Grand Finals from 1969 to 1971, securing premierships in 1970 and 1971 and contributing to the Club’s third golden era.

Sait played 16 Test matches for Australia between 1970 and 1975, six games for New South Wales between 1969 and 1974, three matches for City Firsts between 1971 and 1975, plus matches for City Seconds and Sydney Colts in 1970.

Sait captained the Rabbitohs during the 1977 and 1978 seasons, was named in the Rabbitohs Dream Team in the centres in 2004, and was awarded Life Membership at the Rabbitohs in 1991.

Rabbitohs CEO, Blake Solly was among the first to pay tribute to Sait on behalf of the club while offering his condolences to his family and friends.

“Paul is renowned as one of the great South Sydney men of the Club’s third golden era, his contribution the equal of the likes of Sattler, McCarthy, Coote and Simms,” Solly said.

“He was able to earn his way into a first grade team that won four premierships in five years, and cemented his name in the folklore of South Sydney.

“He was recognised as one of the two best centres to play for this club in its first century, being named in our Dream Team, and fittingly he was a Life Member of our Club.

“To his family and friends we offer our condolences and support at this very difficult time.

“Vale Paul Sait.”

As news of Sait’s passing broke, fans took to social media to share heartfelt tributes and reflect on the mark he left on the rugby league world.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are mourning the passing of premiership winning Australian international, Paul Sait, following a long illness, aged 76.
Full story: https://t.co/feci8EA97K pic.twitter.com/0fl2VyOgDt

— South Sydney Rabbitohs ? (@SSFCRABBITOHS) November 22, 2023

Paul Sait RIP. Part of illustrious company. pic.twitter.com/KmqcGQKLde

— TGO (@TGO45415695) November 23, 2023

RIP Paul Sait.

Former Matto Tigers & Rabbitohs legend Paul Sait was as tough as nails. He played in 3 grand finals over 11 seasons & represented NSW and Australia.

From a famous family in our community he was a true gentleman.

Our condolences to the Sait family. pic.twitter.com/geL4i9h2L3

— Matt Thistlethwaite (@MThistlethwaite) November 23, 2023

Vale Paul Sait. The Rabbitohs lost one of their very best today when local junior Paul Sait passed away. First grade player #549, Paul was one of the toughest men to have ever worn the red and green. Condolences to the Sait family, Rest in Peace legend. pic.twitter.com/iJnoxPf5Nn

— Bunnies TV (@Bunniestvau) November 23, 2023

What a terrific club man, utility player par excellence, centres and backrow and tough as nails in a stellar era for the Bunnies. Rest easy Saity.

— Robert Smith (@OnyaDon) November 23, 2023

Sad news, Paul will be sorely missed, love to his family.

— PeterThePangolinVersion2??? (@PangolinPeter) November 23, 2023

Very sad. I remember him well as part of the team I first saw play. What a legend he was.

— GAIL BABER (@GailBaber) November 23, 2023

May you rest in peace champ

— emmanuel (@Mannies3Y) November 23, 2023