Australian rugby league

He was 82.

Raper had been battling dementia for some years but had been bravely hanging on, only two years ago celebrating his 80th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

Dragons chairman and former captain Craig Young confirmed the news to the Sydney Morning Herald.

“We thought he was bulletproof,” Young said. “He was a character on and off the field – and one of the reasons why the club became the worldwide brand that it has.”

A former Kangaroos captain, coach and selector, Fulton's influence over rugby league was immense.

The news of his passing after a long illness has rocked rugby league, with former Manly enforcer Mark Carroll paying an emotional tribute to his ex-coach on Fox League.

“Massive loss for the game, he was the best player who ever played for Manly,” Carroll said.

“Without Bob Fulton I wouldn't have won a comp, I wouldn't have played for Australia.

“He's like my second dad. When I heard the news I went cold. It's very emotional.”

The Gold Coast Titans, St George Illawarra Dragons and Newcastle Knights have all been accused of failing to follow concussion rules.

The Dragons were hit with a $100,000 fine after Josh Dugan appeared to cop a head knock in Sunday's win over Cronulla but was allowed to play on.

The Knights face the same amount after Brendan Elliot stayed on after copping a swinging arm from Hymel Hunt while the Titans are facing a $150,000 sanction over the treament of Kane Elgey, Joe Greenwood and Ryan Simpkins.