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.