Tragic loss: Discover how this footy icon's triumph came with terrifying cost
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The Australian football community is reflecting on the loss of a respected figure whose contributions to the sport left a lasting impact.
With a career marked by remarkable achievements and the challenges of the game's demanding nature, his passing at 81 follows a period of illness, leaving behind a legacy that speaks to his resilience.
Gary Stevens' journey in rugby league is one of remarkable achievements and formidable challenges.
His career spanned 13 years from 1965 to 1978, during which he played 189 games and secured two premiership victories with the Rabbitohs in 1970 and 1971.
His dedication and skill also earned him the honour of representing Australia in 11 Test matches throughout the 1970s.
Stevens' path to glory was not without its obstacles.
Initially struggling to secure a spot in the Rabbitohs' star-studded lineup, he eventually became an integral part of the team, earning the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike.
His fitness and determination saw him become one of the club's most beloved figures, a life member who embodied the spirit of the Bunnies.
After leaving South Sydney in 1976, Stevens continued his career with Canterbury, adding another 26 matches to his impressive record before hanging up his boots in 1978.
His contributions to the game were recognised with the club's Achievement Ring for his consistent performance during the 1970 premiership season, and he even captained the Rabbitohs in 25 matches.
However, the game's physicality during Stevens' era was expensive.
The hard-hitting nature of rugby league in those days left him with lasting health issues, including memory loss attributed to blood clots in his brain.
'When the scrum broke, I was laying face-down in the mud. It's come back to haunt me,' he said.
'I've now got a cloud of blood in my brain, so I can't remember too many things.'
Stevens' post-career life was marred by the inability to recall significant moments, including the grand final triumphs that had defined his career.
The severity of his condition forced him to abandon his post-football building job as he struggled with the daily challenges of memory impairment.
His experiences highlight the darker side of the sport's history, where the immediate glory of victory often overshadowed players' long-term health.
''I played virtually every game and got the best and fairest, but they got rid of me. Canterbury treated me like a god,' Stevens added.
The narrative has prompted the football community to reflect on the importance of player welfare and the need for ongoing support for retired athletes.
Despite the hardships he faced, Stevens remained a passionate supporter of the Rabbitohs, even expressing his misgivings about the manner of his departure from the club during financially difficult times.
His life and career are a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience required to excel in such a demanding sport and the importance of acknowledging and addressing the long-term impacts it can have on those who play it.
His passing is a profound loss, but his legacy will forever be etched in the annals of Australian rugby league history.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the countless fans who admired him.
Rest in peace, Gary Stevens, a true footy icon whose triumphs on the field were matched only by his bravery off it.
With a career marked by remarkable achievements and the challenges of the game's demanding nature, his passing at 81 follows a period of illness, leaving behind a legacy that speaks to his resilience.
Gary Stevens' journey in rugby league is one of remarkable achievements and formidable challenges.
His career spanned 13 years from 1965 to 1978, during which he played 189 games and secured two premiership victories with the Rabbitohs in 1970 and 1971.
His dedication and skill also earned him the honour of representing Australia in 11 Test matches throughout the 1970s.
The football community mourned the passing of South Sydney and Kangaroos legend Gary Stevens, a two-time premiership winner. Credit: Facebook
Stevens' path to glory was not without its obstacles.
Initially struggling to secure a spot in the Rabbitohs' star-studded lineup, he eventually became an integral part of the team, earning the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike.
His fitness and determination saw him become one of the club's most beloved figures, a life member who embodied the spirit of the Bunnies.
After leaving South Sydney in 1976, Stevens continued his career with Canterbury, adding another 26 matches to his impressive record before hanging up his boots in 1978.
His contributions to the game were recognised with the club's Achievement Ring for his consistent performance during the 1970 premiership season, and he even captained the Rabbitohs in 25 matches.
However, the game's physicality during Stevens' era was expensive.
The hard-hitting nature of rugby league in those days left him with lasting health issues, including memory loss attributed to blood clots in his brain.
'When the scrum broke, I was laying face-down in the mud. It's come back to haunt me,' he said.
'I've now got a cloud of blood in my brain, so I can't remember too many things.'
Stevens' post-career life was marred by the inability to recall significant moments, including the grand final triumphs that had defined his career.
The severity of his condition forced him to abandon his post-football building job as he struggled with the daily challenges of memory impairment.
Stevens' story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the athletes who entertain and inspire us.His experiences highlight the darker side of the sport's history, where the immediate glory of victory often overshadowed players' long-term health.
''I played virtually every game and got the best and fairest, but they got rid of me. Canterbury treated me like a god,' Stevens added.
The narrative has prompted the football community to reflect on the importance of player welfare and the need for ongoing support for retired athletes.
Despite the hardships he faced, Stevens remained a passionate supporter of the Rabbitohs, even expressing his misgivings about the manner of his departure from the club during financially difficult times.
His love for the game and his team was unwavering, and he continued to find joy in their successes, including the Rabbitohs' grand final win in 2014, which he attended despite his health challenges.
As we remember Gary Stevens, we celebrate a man who was not only a formidable competitor on the field but also a symbol of the enduring spirit of rugby league.His life and career are a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience required to excel in such a demanding sport and the importance of acknowledging and addressing the long-term impacts it can have on those who play it.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the countless fans who admired him.
Rest in peace, Gary Stevens, a true footy icon whose triumphs on the field were matched only by his bravery off it.
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