Rugby League team, Sydney Roosters recently remembered hugely successful defender, Ron Saddler, placing a tribute on their website on the anniversary of his passing.

Mr Saddler passed away in May, 2016, but his reputation remains as a fierce competitor who became NSW's first Indigenous Rugby League captain.

A proud Wiradjuri man, Mr Saddler was born in Lake Cargelligo in 1942 and grew up at Euabalong. Playing in the 1960's and 1970s, he represented New South Wales and was an Australian international representative three-quarter back, he played in Sydney's NSWRFL Premiership for the Eastern Suburbs club.

Rightfully proud of their past player, the Roosters recalled this memory.

"Making his first-grade debut with Eastern Suburbs under Dick Dunn in 1963, Saddler made an immediate impression, helping the team secure a Round 1 victory over the North Sydney Bears at Sydney Sports Ground, now known as Allianz Stadium. In 1967, Saddler led the NSW Colts to a 39-15 win over France at the same venue, scoring one try and slotting six conversions while writing himself into history books as the first ever Indigenous person to captain a New South Wales team."

Buoyed by the Club’s success, Saddler got the nod to be the Blues’ captain because, as fellow player, Kevin Junee said, “he was respected by teammates and opponents alike”.

Reflecting on his father’s 118-game tenure in the Tricolours, Brent Saddler told the Sydney Roosters that he couldn’t be any prouder of his dad. 

“He was my idol growing up, I always wanted to be like him,” he said. “I remember going to school and telling people that my dad was Ron Saddler, that memory is something that will always stand out for me.

Western Plains App joins Mr Saddler's former teammates and family in remembering a Western Plains Indigenous, sporting legend who paved the way for many more Indigenous players to succeed in Rugby League.