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Tragedy for one of Aussie footy's most famous families as star who played more than 130 first-grade games passes away
A proud rugby league family is in mourning following the death of former Western Suburbs and Penrith winger Russell Mullins, aged 72.
Mullins passed away earlier this week, prompting an outpouring of tributes from former clubs, fans and teammates.
Affectionately nicknamed 'Flight', Mullins has been remembered as a fearless player, a club stalwart and a quiet influence in a dynasty of league greats.
Russell was the younger brother of Bill Mullins, the powerhouse winger who starred for Eastern Suburbs between 1968 and 1978. Bill won premierships in 1974 and 1975 and scored 104 tries in 190 first-grade games.
The family legacy continued through Bill's son Brett, who played 209 first-grade games, starred for Canberra and the Roosters, and represented both New South Wales and Australia.
Brett scored 122 career tries and was part of the Roosters' 2002 premiership team.
The next generation saw Brett's son Bradley join the Roosters' Holden Cup side in 2015 and 2016, playing alongside future stars like Joseph Manu and Victor Radley.
Russell Mullins played 131 first-grade matches during the 1970s, including 113 games for the Western Suburbs Magpies and 18 for Penrith.
Known for his tremendous aerial ability and finishing, Mullins was one of Wests' most consistent try-scorers during a turbulent era for the club.
He made his first-grade debut in 1971 during a tough year in which Wests finished with the wooden spoon.
Despite that rocky start, he quickly became a key figure in the club's resurgence.
In 1973, he was the club's top try-scorer with eight tries. He repeated the feat in 1974, this time scoring 15 as the Magpies reached the preliminary final.
That match was played at the Sydney Cricket Ground against Eastern Suburbs, where Russell lined up opposite his brother Bill Mullins.
Easts won the game 25–2, but the family duel is still fondly remembered by fans of both clubs.
From 1975 to 1976, Russell continued his consistent form, topping Wests' try-scoring list, though the club missed the finals.
He finished his Magpies career in 1977, and remains their sixth-highest try-scorer of all time.
A move to Penrith followed, but the Panthers struggled during his two-year stint. Mullins retired at the end of the 1979 season, closing the book on a respected career.
Born and raised in Yagoona, Russell was a talented all-round athlete. He excelled at sprinting and short-distance running, often travelling to athletic meets in his youth.
Before finding his place in rugby league, he played soccer and represented the Hume Zone in south-west Sydney.
He joined Bankstown Sports as a junior and quickly earned a reputation as a winger to watch. By the age of 15, he was carving a path that would lead him to the top grade.
Post-retirement, Mullins remained connected to sport, often helping train young athletes. He was also generous with his time, assisting the Wests Archive with historical projects and interviews.
Western Suburbs paid tribute to the veteran winger with a statement on Tuesday.
'Russell passed away aged 72. He was a 113 first-grade game veteran for Wests Magpies,' the club wrote.
'Our Club's thoughts are with Russell's family and friends during this difficult period.'
Tributes flowed across social media. One follower wrote: 'Excellent player, enjoyed watching him at Lidcombe Oval. Punched above his weight. One of my father's favourites.'
Another added, 'RIP Russell, the best winger to not represent and a very funny man.'
