Scott Sattler

Scott Sattler was born in Sydney, but grew up in Queensland, where his father, John pursued opportunities in the hotel business, after an illustrious career with South Sydney.

John captained New South Wales and Australia, as well as leading Souths to four Sydney premierships, before the move north. He played with Wests and Norths in Brisbane, and also captained Queensland, before retiring in 1975.

Scott Sattler attended Coombabah High on the Gold Coast and played his junior rugby league for Runaway Bay Seagulls.

He represented Queensland in age categories in athletics and swimming.

Sattler broke into first grade with Gold Coast Seagulls in 1992, including a match against the touring Great Britain side.

He then had stints with the Roosters and Crushers, before becoming established as a genuine top liner with Gold Coast Chargers, and then Penrith, being named Panthers' Player of the Year in 2001.

When he was called into the second game of the 2003 Origin series, at Sydney's ANZ Stadium, he became the oldest debutant since 35-year-old Arthur Beetson led the Maroons onto Lang Park in the inaugural Origin match in 1980.

Sattler was 31 years 215 days old. His greatest moment came a few months later when his now iconic try-saving tackle on Roosters' winger, Todd Byrne played a huge role in Penrith's 18-6 NRL grand final win.

I was physically shaking from the noise and nerves. I’ve never felt anything like it.

Scott Sattler FOG #137 on his Origin debut

He played lock in the grand final, but during his career played everywhere from prop and hooker, to five-eighth and centre.

After 118 NRL appearances for the Panthers, Sattler signed with the Wests Tigers where he played a further 22 NRL games, before announcing his retirement at the end of the 2004 season, because of recurring knee injuries. He had played 203 top line club matches in his career.

In retirement, he has forged a career in the media, and also was involved with the Gold Coast Titans in their early years.

Sattler's childhood heroes were his father, and swim coach, Laurie Lawrence.