John Cootes

St Francis Xavier’s College Hamilton.

Nicknamed “the footballing priest”, Fr Cootes became the first Roman Catholic priest selected to play rugby league for Australia, playing for the Kangaroos in 1969-1970.

Named NSW Country Rugby League Player of the Year in 1969.

After leaving Ordained Life, he began a chain of furniture stores and commenced a successful career in media as a sports commentator.

Source: Marist College Canberra 1998: Celebrating 125 Years of Sporting Achievement Australia 1872-1997.