The crash-tackling second-rower would sign with Canterbury in 1970 and was called into the Ashes-deciding Third Test against Great Britain. He later made Australia's World Cup squad that year and backed up with another tour to NZ in 1971. Against all odds, Australia downed Great Britain 12-7 in a final that was one of the dirtiest, most brutal games of all time, becoming known in rugby league folklore as the "Battle of Leeds".
- Status: Pending1962Won the premiership as a member of the Shellharbour juniors.
- Status: Pending1969Was selected to represent Australia for two tours of New Zealand.
- Status: Pending1988Inducted into the Shellharbour Council Hall of Fame.
- Status: Pending2004Nominated for The Berries to Bulldogs 70 Year Team of Champions.
Beginnings
Ron wasn't allowed to play football at Shellharbour Public School (19481954), because on his own admission
"in those days you had to be a certain weight. I was a little fat chubby bloke. I couldn't get a game until I went to Kiama High School.""Achievements
Ron played eight games for NSW would represent Australia in three Tests between 1969 and 1971. In 1973 he played for Port Kembla and as captain-coach in 1975. Shellharbour Council named the football oval the Ron Costello Oval in his honour in 1971.
Post Representation
Ron is now a committee member of the ‘Men of League' Illawarra.
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