One of the fittest and most dedicated trainers in the game Steve Folkes was a rock-like second-row forward in the Bulldogs' four grand final victories during the 1980s who continues to contribute to Rugby League.
- Status: Pending1992 to 1995He chose to see out his career with English champions Wigan.
- Status: Pending2012Deputy Chairman of the Bulldogs.
Beginnings
Folkes came from the Bankstown Sports Junior Rugby League Club and joined Canterbury in 1977 as a halfback. In 1978, Steve started the season in the Under 23s but became a regular member of the reserve grade team as a lock forward. He scored four tries in a game against Easts (Roosters) which remains a record for reserve grade.
Achievements
In 1979, he became a regular member of the first grade team and played in the Grand Final against St George. In 1980, Steve moved to the second row and played in the Premiership winning team against Easts (Roosters).
He first played for NSW in 1986, progressing to the Test team for the series against NZ, and despite suffering a groin strain which kept him out of football for the rest of the year he was cleared to tour with the Kangaroos.
Post Representation
In 1990 Folkes retired and in his debut year as coach Folkes took ‘The Bulldogs' to the grand final with a series of desperate, last-minute wins in the 1998 semi-final series. Although ultimately beaten 38-12 by a champion Broncos team Folkes' tenure with the Bulldogs marks him as one of the most hard-working coaches of the modern game.