The rugby league community is in mourning after the tragic death of the first recipient of the coveted Dally M Award.
Affectionately known as Rocky, he started his career at Eastern Suburbs before shifting to South Sydney Rabbitohs and then back to the tri-colours between 1976 and 1982.Stream more sports news live & on demand with Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022
Rugby league legend Robert"Rocky" Laurie has died at the age of 66 after a long battle with a mental illness. Picture: News Limited Rocky was awarded the first Dally M Medal in 1980 in his last season with the Souths and remains the only player from the club to ever claim the top honour. In his final year playing with the Easts, he made selection for the NSW Blues and was also appointed into the City and Country squads.
Laurie was one of eight children born in 1956 in the town of Wauchope on the New South Wales Mid-North Coast near Port Macquarie.Rocky Laurie was my greatSad day for rugby league with the death of former Easts, Souths and NSW five-eighth Robert âRockyâ Laurie this morning in Wauchope after a long battle with mental illness. He was the first Dally M Medal winner back in 1980.