Hubbry Logo
Johnny RaperJohnny RaperMain
Open search
Johnny Raper
Community hub
Johnny Raper
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Johnny Raper
Johnny Raper
Johnny Raper
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

John William Raper MBE (12 April 1939 – 9 February 2022) was an Australian professional rugby league footballer and coach. Nicknamed "Chook", he was a lock-forward who earned a then-record of 33 Test caps in the Australia national team between 1959 and 1968. He also played six World Cup games between 1960 and 1968.[2] Raper captained Australia on eight occasions from 1967 to 68 and played in eight consecutive NSWRFL first-grade grand final victories for the St George Dragons club. He was named as one of the nation's finest footballers of the 20th century.[3]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Raper was born in Camperdown and grew up in Revesby in south-western Sydney in a working-class family with nine boys. He played his junior rugby league for the Camperdown Dragons before representing Newtown's President's Cup side in 1956.[4]

Professional playing career

[edit]

Sydney

[edit]

Raper joined and made his first grade debut for Newtown in 1957 as an eighteen-year-old.[5] Despite becoming a much lauded lock forward, in his 1957 debut season with the Newtown “Bluebags” (as the team was known then) Raper played in the second row in all of his first grade appearances except one when he played at five-eighth.[6] And throughout the 1958 season for Newtown first grade he played at five-eighth except for one game at centre and one game in the second row.[7] During the 1958 season he had his first taste of representative football against elite opposition when selected to play for combined Sydney against the visiting Great Britain team and then for New South Wales Colts against the British tourists. In both these representative games Raper played at lock forward and opposed one of the great locks of that era in Britain’s Vince Karalius.[8]

In 1959 Raper joined St George as a lock forward and in this position he became an international rugby league star. His legendary cover defence and ball skills saw him acknowledged during his playing career as the best loose-forward the world had ever seen. He played in eight Grand final wins with St George between 1959 and 1966.[2]

Raper attributed his success to a training discipline and fitness fanaticism that was ahead of its time. While St George's early adoption of circuit training in the late 1950s was a major contributing factor in their eleven-year premiership run, Raper's own commitment to additional running and weights every day and often alone, enabled him to achieve a personal goal of being the fittest player in the fittest team in the competition.[9] In 1959–60 he made the first of his three Kangaroo tours, scoring a try on debut in the third Test loss vs Great Britain at Wigan. For the next ten years he was rarely, except for injury, out of the Australian Test team.

Raper's performance in the second Test of the 1963 tour at Swinton which saw the Kangaroos register the biggest win in Anglo-Australian Test history and become the first Australian touring team in fifty years to win the Ashes was pivotal. In the 50–12 victory, Raper had a hand in the first seven tries in the opening 25-minute routing and he gave the final pass in four of them.[10]

In his third Kangaroo tour of 1967–68 Raper suffered a cheekbone fracture in the opening 16–11 Test loss causing him to miss the second Test won by Australia to keep the series alive. Captain-coach Reg Gasnier had broken a leg in the first Test so Raper upon his return to fitness, was deputised and earned the ultimate Australian rugby league honour captaining his country in the 11–3 win over Great Britain played in icy conditions on a frozen ground in Swinton on 21 October 1967.

Raper went on to captain Australia in the first and third Tests against France in 1967–68. Queenslander Peter "Pedro" Gallagher was the captain for the second Test when Raper was injured. For the 1968 World Cup Raper captained Australia in their four undefeated games of the tournament including the 20–2 victory against France in the final at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Raper's last season with St. George was in 1969 as captain-coach. In 1969 he appeared as a guest player for Auckland in a match against the New Zealand national rugby league team to mark the New Zealand Rugby League's diamond jubilee.[11] Raper was awarded Life Membership of the St. George Dragons Club in 1971.[12]

Newcastle

[edit]

Raper played three seasons with the Western Suburbs Rosellas in the Newcastle competition from 1970 to 1972. He captain coached the club and took them to victory in the 1970 grand final.[13] He finished his playing career with Kurri Kurri from 1973 to 1974.[2]

Statistics

[edit]

Point scoring summary

Games Tries Goals F/G Points
223 57 4 – 179

Coaching career

[edit]

Raper returned to Sydney as coach of the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in 1975 and 1976, commencing an association with that club later carried on by his sons Stuart and Aaron. He also coached a Lane Cove Rugby Union Club team to victory in the Judd Cup suburban competition in 1977.[14] After five games of the 1978 NSWRFL season and internal turmoil leading to the resignation of first-grade coach Paul Broughton,[15] Raper took over as coach of the Newtown Jets in a caretaker capacity.

Post football life and accolades

[edit]

In retirement Raper for a time played a larger-than-life celebrity role: making a record, appearing in commercials for a tyre company and the Liberal party and as an in-demand speaker and guest on radio and TV talk shows. Much higher honours were to follow: an award of a Member of the Order of the British Empire; selection in 1985 as one of the initial four post-war "Immortals" of the Australian game with Churchill, Gasnier and Fulton; appointment in 1988 as an Australian Test selector and representative of the New South Wales Rugby League. Raper was also inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985.[16] Always regarded as a larrikin in his playing days, Raper is now seen as one of Rugby League's most ardent ambassadors and senior statesmen. In 2000, his portrait was entered into the Archibald Prize. In 2002 Raper was inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame. In 2007 he was selected by a panel of experts at lock in an Australian 'Team of the 50s'.[17]

In February 2008, Raper was named in the list of Australia's 100 Greatest Players (1908–2007) which was commissioned by the NRL and ARL to celebrate the code's centenary year in Australia.[18][19] Raper went on to be named as lock in Australian rugby league's Team of the Century. Announced on 17 April 2008, the team is the panel's majority choice for each of the thirteen starting positions and four interchange players.[20][21] While playing football, Raper also served in the New South Wales Police Force and in 2008, rugby league's centenary year in Australia, he was named at lock-forward in a NSW Police team of the century. In 2008 New South Wales announced their rugby league team of the century also, and again Raper was named at lock.[22] Raper was named captain and second-row forward in the Western Suburbs Rosellas’ team of the century. On 20 July 2022, Raper was named in the St. George Dragons District Rugby League Clubs team of the century at lock.[23]

Death

[edit]

Raper spent the last four years of his life in a nursing home, having been diagnosed with dementia. He died on 9 February 2022 in Caringbah, Sydney, at the age of 82.[24]

Footballing relatives

[edit]

A number of Raper's brothers had success in top-grade rugby league. Ron played a 128-game career for Canterbury over seven seasons from 1966, kicking a field-goal from the halfway line in their 1967 Grand final loss to South Sydney. He played out the end of his career as captain/coach at Wests Brisbane and made two representative appearances for Queensland in 1973. Maurie Raper played eighty-seven first grade matches for Penrith and Cronulla in an eight-year career; Gerard made two first grade appearances for Canterbury in 1977; and Peter, two appearances for Newtown while Michael played in lower grades.[25]

Johnny's son Aaron played as a hooker for Cronulla and Parramatta from 1990 to 1998. During Aaron's exceptional 1992 season he was touted to become the top hooker in Australia, however, an exceptionally bad run with injuries, including a severe blood clot that threatened his life during 1994, prevented Aaron from ever reaching the greater heights. Aaron played representative rugby league only during the Super League war in 1995. He later moved to England but in 2010 made a return to Sydney and played in the Illawarra competition.

Sources

[edit]
  • Whiticker, Alan (2004) Captaining the Kangaroos, New Holland, Sydney
  • Writer, Larry (1995) Never Before, Never Again, Pan MacMillan, Sydney
  • Whiticker, Alan & Hudson, Glen (2006) The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players, Gavin Allen Publishing, Sydney

Footnotes

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Johnny Raper

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Johnny Raper (12 April 1939 – 9 February 2022) was an Australian professional footballer who played as a lock forward in the Rugby Football League (NSWRFL) during the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport's history and the finest lock forward of his era, he amassed 222 first-grade matches, including 185 for the , with whom he won eight consecutive premierships from 1959 to 1966. Raper represented in 33 Test matches between 1959 and 1968, captaining the in eight of them and leading the team to victory in the 1968 ; he also participated in three Kangaroo tours to and . Born into a working-class family of nine boys in Sydney's Revesby suburb, Raper earned the nickname "Chook" and began his senior career with the in 1957 after playing juniors for the Camperdown Dragons. He joined St George in 1959, where his exceptional tackling—characterized by precise, low dives—and football instincts made him a defensive and versatile ball-handler, often transitioning from to lock. Raper's accolades include the Harry Sunderland Medal in 1964 for man-of-the-match in the Grand Final, the in 1966, two NSWRFL Player of the Year awards (1961 and 1965), and induction as one of the four original Immortals in the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame in 1981, followed by selection in the in 2008. He later coached St George in 1969 and played in Newcastle competitions before retiring, passing away at age 82 after a long battle with .

Early life

Childhood and family

Johnny Raper was born on 12 April 1939 in , to working-class parents and Irene Raper. As the eldest of nine boys, Raper grew up in a large family. The family resided in inner-city suburbs including Camperdown and Newtown, where the socio-economic environment was marked by modest housing, industrial work, and resilient community ties amid economic recovery. The family later moved to Revesby in south-western . In these edgy, pre-gentrified Newtown streets, Raper and his brothers engaged in rough street play and physical activities that honed their toughness, with the constant presence of siblings fostering a competitive family dynamic centered on outdoor exertion. This upbringing, influenced by his father's labor-intensive background and the boisterous energy of eight brothers, sparked Raper's early passion for sports as a natural outlet for the family's high-spirited, active lifestyle.

Junior football

Johnny Raper began his organized journey in the early 1950s with the Camperdown Dragons, a junior club in the Canterbury-Bankstown district, where he honed his skills amid the competitive local scene. As the eldest of nine brothers raised in Sydney's working-class suburbs, Raper's early exposure to the sport built the toughness that defined his later career. By 1956, at age 17, Raper transferred to the ' junior system, joining their President's Cup representative team after providing a false address to meet eligibility requirements. Initially experimenting with backline roles such as centre and , he demonstrated versatility before transitioning to the forwards, where his physicality began to shine. That year, Raper contributed significantly to Newtown's President's Cup premiership victory, a key achievement that showcased his potential and paved the way for higher-level opportunities. In 1957, at 18 years old, Raper was graded by the , marking the start of his professional pathway as he prepared for senior competition.

Club playing career

Newtown Jets

Johnny Raper began his first-grade career with the in 1957, making his debut at age 18 after playing juniors for the Camperdown Dragons. He played two seasons with Newtown as a versatile back, appearing in 37 first-grade games and scoring 10 tries. During this time, he honed his skills before transferring to St. George in 1959.

St. George Dragons

Johnny Raper transferred to the in 1959 after two seasons with Newtown, where he had honed his skills as a versatile back, convinced by club secretary Frank Facer to join the premiership contenders. He played 185 first-grade games for the Dragons from 1959 to 1969, primarily as a second-rower and lock, becoming a cornerstone of one of rugby league's greatest dynasties. Raper played a pivotal role in St. George's unprecedented run of eight consecutive NSWRFL premierships from 1959 to 1966, appearing in every during that period and contributing to the team's dominance through his defensive tenacity and forward momentum. In the 1962 , a rain-soaked 9-6 victory over at the , Raper covered multiple positions, including lock and , helping secure the win with his all-around play amid slippery conditions. His experience from Newtown provided a solid foundation for thriving in St. George's high-stakes environment. Renowned for his copybook tackling technique—featuring scything low dives that neutralized attackers—and instinctive ball-handling that created opportunities for teammates, Raper exemplified the forward's craft during St. George's golden era. He formed key partnerships in the backline and forwards, notably with fullback , whose long-range kicks complemented Raper's cover defense and offloads, enhancing the team's fluid attacking dynamics. Raper's perpetual motion and leadership in the pack were instrumental in maintaining St. George's edge, as seen in his eight consecutive tackles in a single sequence during a match, underscoring his relentless contribution to the club's success.

Newcastle

In 1970, after concluding his Sydney-based career, Johnny Raper relocated to Newcastle and took on the role of captain-coach for Western Suburbs in the . Under his leadership, Western Suburbs reached the grand final that season and secured victory over Maitland by a score of 21–14, marking a successful debut year in the regional competition. Raper played 40 games for Western Suburbs across three seasons (1970–1972), transitioning from the high-stakes intensity of the to the more community-oriented . He continued his playing career in 1973–1974 as captain-coach for Kurri Kurri, retiring at the end of the 1974 season after five years total in the Newcastle competition. Raper's storied premiership success with St. George earned him immediate admiration among local players and fans in Newcastle.

Career statistics

Johnny Raper's club career in first-grade primarily occurred in the Rugby Football League (NSWRFL) premiership, where he amassed 222 appearances across two clubs, scoring 57 tries and 4 goals for a total of 179 points. As a forward, his scoring was limited, reflecting his role focused on defense and ball-winning rather than attack. He predominantly played as a lock, with additional games in the second row position, contributing to his reputation for tireless work rate in an era without advanced metrics like tackles, though contemporary accounts highlight his exceptional involvement in every play. Raper's NSWRFL first-grade record is broken down by club as follows:
ClubSeasonsGamesTriesGoalsPoints
Newtown1957–19583710030
St. George1959–1969185474149
Total1957–1969222574179
These figures exclude his later years in the (1970–1974), where he played first-grade for Wests Newcastle and Kurri Kurri in a regional competition, estimated at around 40–50 games based on his five-season involvement, though precise records are sparse. In terms of high-stakes play, Raper featured in 21 matches during his St. George tenure, scoring 3 tries for 9 points, including appearances in all eight consecutive wins from 1959 to 1966—a record for consecutive premiership successes in Australian history. This involvement underscores his impact in pressure situations, with no comparable data available for his Newcastle period.

Representative career

New South Wales

Johnny Raper made his debut for in 1959 against in the annual interstate series, marking the start of a distinguished state representative career that highlighted the intense rivalry between the two states. Over the course of his tenure, Raper amassed 32 appearances for NSW Firsts between 1959 and 1970, primarily as a lock forward whose tenacious play helped solidify ' dominance in domestic . This period encompassed the Bulimba Cup era, where the annual NSW- clashes served as the pinnacle of interstate competition, often drawing massive crowds and embodying the fierce north-south animosity that defined Australian . Raper's contributions were pivotal in several key series during the , a time when frequently asserted superiority over . He participated in Interstate Series victories in 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, and 1970, contributing to seven Bulimba Cup triumphs that underscored NSW's edge in the . His defensive prowess, characterized by scything low tackles and unyielding positioning, became a hallmark of NSW's forward pack, often neutralizing Queensland's attacks and enabling territorial gains that led to series-clinching results. Raper's ability to read the game and execute copybook tackles not only frustrated opponents but also inspired teammates, establishing him as a leader in the state's defensive strategy during an era of consistent success. In 1970, after relocating to Newcastle, Raper captained in select interstate fixtures, including a match against the touring side, demonstrating his enduring influence and tactical acumen even late in his representative career. His selection for these games reflected the high regard in which he was held, bolstered by his earlier club form with St. George that had propelled his rise to state level. Throughout his NSW tenure, Raper's role extended beyond individual brilliance to embodying the competitive spirit of the Queensland rivalry, where his physicality and determination helped maintain ' status as the preeminent state power.

Australia

Johnny Raper represented in 33 Test matches between 1959 and 1968, establishing himself as one of the nation's premier lock-forwards during a golden era of . His international career began on the 1959–60 Kangaroo tour, where he made his Test debut in the third match against at in , scoring a try despite a 22–12 loss that contributed to Australia's series defeat. Raper's selection followed strong performances for , which served as a crucial stepping stone to national honors. Raper's Test career featured pivotal roles in several Ashes series against Great Britain, showcasing his relentless defensive prowess and ball-handling skills in the forwards pack. During the 1963–64 Kangaroo tour, he played all three Tests, including a standout performance in the second match at Station Road in Swinton, where Australia secured a historic 50–12 victory—clinching the for the first time on British soil in 50 years—and Raper was instrumental in setting up multiple tries. The 1967–68 tour marked a contrasting outcome, with Australia suffering a 0–3 , though Raper captained the side to an 11–3 win in the decisive third Test at Swinton, demonstrating his inspirational leadership amid adversity. Raper captained in eight Tests, primarily from 1967 to 1968, leading with a tenacious style that emphasized low, copybook tackles and instinctive support play to dominate the forward battle. His leadership peaked at the 1968 World Cup in , where he guided the Kangaroos to victory, captaining them to a 20–2 win over in the final at the after defeating in the semifinals.

International tours and World Cups

Raper participated in the 1960 Rugby League World Cup held in , playing three matches as finished as runners-up after a 12–3 loss to in the final. had earlier defeated 18–35? No, wait: actually, group stage wins over (5–2) and (22–14), but the loss to GB in the decider. His performances in the tournament, at age 21, highlighted his emerging international talent. Raper's first Kangaroo tour came in 1959-60 to and , marking his emergence on the international stage at age 20. The 30-player squad played 34 matches, including three Tests against and two against , with Raper featuring prominently as a lock. He scored a try on his Test debut in the third Ashes match at , , despite Australia's 2-1 series loss to ; the Kangaroos then defeated 2-1. The tour encompassed exhibition games against club and invitational sides, showcasing Raper's defensive prowess and ball-handling skills in challenging conditions. The 1963-64 Kangaroo tour to and was a landmark for Raper and , achieving the first whitewash in with a 3-0 Test series victory over Great Britain. Raper, playing as lock, was instrumental in the tour's 21-match schedule, contributing to dominant performances like the 50-12 second Test win at Station Road, Swinton, where his involvement set up multiple tries. The squad also swept 2-0 in Tests, with non-Test fixtures against northern English clubs highlighting the physical demands of the extended journey. This success solidified Raper's status as a key forward in Australian rugby league's resurgence. Raper captained during parts of the 1967-68 Kangaroo tour to and , stepping up after injuries to regular skipper . Despite a fractured cheekbone sidelining him for the second Test, he led the side in the third Test at Station Road, Swinton, and the two Tests against , though lost the 2-1 to . The 33-match tour included numerous club games in , testing the squad's depth amid tough weather and opposition. Raper's leadership emphasized resilience, even in defeat. Under Raper's captaincy, won the 1968 Rugby League World Cup, defeating 20-2 in the final at before a crowd of over 50,000. The tournament, held in and , featured pool play against , , and , with Raper's experience from prior tours guiding the forwards in a cohesive performance. This victory marked 's second World Cup title and highlighted Raper's eight Tests as captain across his 33 international appearances.

Coaching career

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Johnny Raper was appointed head coach of the for the 1975 NSWRFL season, succeeding Noel Thornton and marking his return to top-flight following his playing retirement with Kurri Kurri in 1974. In his debut year, Raper guided the to an eighth-place finish in the regular season with 9 wins, 12 losses, and 1 draw. The 1975 campaign highlighted the team's competitive edge under Raper, bolstered by key forwards like captain Greg Pierce and emerging talents such as Barry Andrews. The following 1976 season saw a mid-table performance, with the Sharks ending eighth after 9 wins, 12 losses, and 1 draw, as injuries and inconsistent form impacted their progress. Raper's coaching emphasized disciplined defense and powerful forward drives, drawing directly from his own acclaimed as a tenacious lock renowned for low, scything tackles and cover defense. This approach instilled resilience in the Sharks' pack, fostering a gritty style that suited the expansion club's developing identity.

Newtown Jets

In 1978, Johnny Raper returned to the as caretaker coach following the resignation of Paul Broughton after five rounds of the NSWRFL season, amid internal club turmoil. This marked a sentimental homecoming for Raper, who had begun his professional playing career with Newtown in 1957. Recruited at the behest of longtime friend and club supporter , Raper stepped in to guide a team grappling with severe financial difficulties that had plagued the club throughout the , including soaring administrative and playing costs exacerbated by unfavorable social and economic changes in the inner suburb. Under Raper's leadership for the majority of the 1978 season, Newtown endured significant on-field struggles, finishing with a record of 2 wins, 1 draw, and 19 losses overall, securing the for the third consecutive year and failing to qualify for series. The club's persistent financial woes limited resources for and facilities, contributing to a challenging environment where the team struggled against more stable opponents in the competition. Despite these adversities, Raper's tenure focused on stabilizing the squad during a tough era, though the Jets' instability persisted, leading to his departure at the end of the season as the club appointed Warren Ryan as head coach in 1979.

Later life and legacy

Accolades

Johnny Raper's contributions to were recognized through numerous prestigious honors throughout his career and beyond. In 1981, he was named one of the four inaugural Immortals by Rugby League Week, alongside , , and , an accolade that cemented his status as one of the sport's all-time greats. Raper received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1980 for his services to , acknowledging his on-field excellence and leadership. In 2000, he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal by the Australian Government in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the sport. His inductions into various halls of fame further highlighted his legacy. Raper was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985 as an Athlete Member for his pivotal role in elevating and elevated to Legend in 2010. In 2002, he was honored in both the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame and the International Rugby League Hall of Fame, affirming his global impact. He was inducted into the NSWRL Hall of Fame in 2017. In 2008, Raper was selected at lock for both the Australian Rugby League and the New South Wales . During the 1960s, Raper earned multiple player-of-the-year equivalents, including the NSWRL Player of the Year award in 1961 and 1965, as well as the Sun-Herald in 1960, 1963, and 1967, reflecting his dominance in an era marked by St. George's premiership successes. Additionally, he captained the Australian national team in eight Test matches between 1967 and 1968, leading them to victory in the 1968 World Cup.

Health issues and death

In his later years, Johnny Raper was diagnosed with , a condition he battled for approximately six years until his death. He entered a in around 2017 and received care there, with his wife Caryl visiting regularly alongside former teammates. Research on former NRL players, including cases like Raper's alongside teammate , has linked such diagnoses to repeated concussions and head knocks sustained during their careers, suggesting long-term brain damage from the sport's physical demands. Raper's condition drew attention to the vulnerabilities faced by retired players, prompting broader advocacy efforts by the NRL and player associations for support. The NRL established a donation program with the Sydney Brain Bank in to study in former players, funded by Neuroscience Research Australia, while the Rugby League Players Association explored post-retirement monitoring for concussion-related issues to improve . His family's presence during his decline and public reports of his health further highlighted the need for enhanced care and research into neurodegenerative conditions in ex-athletes. Raper died on 9 February 2022 at the age of 82 in a , surrounded by family and friends. A was held for him on 28 February at the , where his coffin, draped in St George colours, was carried by his six brothers amid a from the St George Illawarra squad. Tributes poured in from the community, including NRL chief Andrew Abdo, former prime minister , and legends like , who lauded Raper's indomitable spirit and contributions to the game. His passing amplified discussions on protocols and long-term player welfare in , reinforcing calls for preventive measures and support systems to address the sport's toll on the .

Personal life

Family background

Johnny Raper was born into a working-class family in , the eldest of nine boys. In 1961, Raper married Caryl James, an English migrant who had arrived in with her family in 1953 as part of the "Ten Pound Poms" scheme; the couple met during a game in Revesby. They remained together for over six decades, raising a family in the after Raper's playing days. Their three sons—Stuart, Aaron, and Kurt—provided strong support throughout Raper's later years, along with seven grandchildren who brought joy to family gatherings. Post-retirement, Raper enjoyed a close-knit life centered on simple pleasures, including sharing beers and placing the occasional bet with loved ones. While not deeply involved in organizations outside his police service earlier in life, he valued quiet time with Caryl and his sons, reflecting a private demeanor focused on familial bonds rather than public pursuits.

Footballing relatives

Johnny Raper was part of a prolific family, with multiple siblings who achieved success in the top grade of the sport. His younger brother Ron Raper enjoyed a distinguished career as a lock forward for from 1966 to 1972, appearing in 128 first-grade matches and featuring in the 1967 NSWRL Grand Final, where he famously kicked a in a losing effort against South Sydney. Another brother, Maurie Raper, established himself as a for during the club's formative years, debuting in their inaugural 1967 season and contributing to 87 first-grade appearances across his career to 1975, including stints with Cronulla, , and . Gerard Raper, a further , played for in 1977, making two first-grade outings during his brief professional stint. Similarly, brother Peter Raper appeared in two first-grade games for in 1977 as a forward. These familial pursuits created a supportive network that reinforced Johnny's own commitment to the game. Through marriage, the Raper family connected to the Mullane dynasty of players. Mick Mullane Sr., a representative centre who played 57 first-grade games for Newtown (1947–1950) and St. George (1952–1953), was the brother-in-law of and his siblings. Mullane Sr.'s sons, and thus nephews to Raper, included Greg Mullane, who amassed 147 first-grade games primarily for (1975–1976, 1979–1983) as a centre or winger, later moving to , and Mick Mullane Jr., a versatile fullback who played 123 games for Cronulla (1976–1983), scoring prolifically and starring in the 1978 replay loss to Manly-Warringah. This extended amplified the Rapers' influence across clubs like St. George, where Johnny's era overlapped with Mullane Sr.'s legacy, fostering intergenerational rivalries and collaborations that enriched the sport's community ties.

References

  1. https://sahof.org.au/hall-of-fame-member/john-raper/
  2. https://www.nrl.com/hall-of-fame/immortals/john-raper/
  3. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/feb/09/johnny-raper-rugby-league-immortal-dies-age-82-after-battle-with-dementia
  4. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-09/johnny-raper-career-rugby-league-immortal-obituary/100816366
  5. https://www.nsw.gov.au/about-nsw/state-services/state-funeral-for-mr-john-raper-mbe
  6. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-28/nrl-johnny-raper-farewelled-at-state-funeral/100868548
  7. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Raper-1144
  8. https://www.newtownjets.com/the-newtown-rlfc-bids-farewell-to-johnny-raper/
  9. https://newcastleweekly.com.au/newcastle-league-community-saddened-by-immortals-death/
  10. https://www.newtownjets.com/flashback-friday-john-raper/
  11. https://www.espn.com/nrl/story/_/id/33247092/nrl-rugby-league-immortal-johnny-raper-dead-82
  12. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nswrfl-1962/grand-final/st-george-dragons-vs-western-suburbs-magpies/summary.html
  13. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/john-raper/summary.html
  14. https://westrosellas.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1970_to_1974_FTB.pdf
  15. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/coaches/john-raper/summary.html
  16. https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2022/02/09/vale-johnny-raper/
  17. https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/johnny-raper-how-chook-revolutionised-rugby-league-and-left-an-unmatched-legacy/news-story/267002cc3b14c3983045e093e3d61ea6
  18. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/bulimba-cup/summary.html
  19. https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2022/02/09/john-raper-immortals-package/
  20. https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2022/02/09/vale--john-raper/
  21. https://sahof.org.au/award-winner/1963-kangaroos-team-rugby-league/
  22. https://www.sharks.com.au/news/2022/02/09/vale--johnny-raper/
  23. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nswrfl-1975/cronulla/summary.html
  24. https://www.sharks.com.au/about/club-history/
  25. https://stevericketts.com.au/2022/02/10/johnny-raper-prince-of-locks/
  26. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nswrfl-1978/newtown/summary.html
  27. https://www.newtownjets.com/about-newtown-rlfc/the-newtown-story/
  28. https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/971490
  29. https://stgeorgedragons.com.au/player/johnny-raper/
  30. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10559089/St-George-Dragons-rugby-league-immortal-Johnny-Chook-Raper-remembered-state-funeral-SCG.html
  31. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/dragons-legend-and-immortal-john-raper-fighting-dementia-20180125-h0nyaq.html
  32. https://www.smh.com.au/healthcare/the-effects-of-concussion-linger-decades-after-nrl-stars-hang-up-their-boots-study-suggests-20180207-h0ve6y.html
  33. https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/11/27/nrl-pledges-support-to-head-injury-research/
  34. https://www.espn.com/nrl/story/_/id/22372994/rlpa-eye-post-retirement-concussion-set-up
  35. https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-sydney-australia-rugby-570f104c56d6b84524f54f6c0e310e83
  36. https://www.nswpolicerugbyleague.org/teams/vale-johnny-raper/
  37. https://bulldogs.eastgatemultimedia.com/player/ron-raper
  38. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/ron-raper/summary.html
  39. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/maurie-raper/summary.html
  40. https://themightypanthers.wordpress.com/2018/10/06/players-maurie-raper/
  41. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/gerard-raper/summary.html
  42. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/peter-raper/summary.html
  43. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/mick-mullane/summary.html
  44. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/greg-mullane/summary.html
  45. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/mick-mullane-jnr/summary.html
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.