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Rugby league world in mourning after death of Johnny Raper

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·3-min read
Johnny Raper, pictured here at the 2012 NRL Grand Final between the Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs.
Johnny Raper looks on at half-time in the 2012 NRL Grand Final between the Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

The rugby league world is mourning the death of St George Dragons legend Johnny Raper.

A rugby league Immortal, Raper has died at the age of 82 after a long battle with illness.

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One of the game's original Immortals, Raper endured a long battle with dementia after being named in rugby league's team of the century following a decorated career that included eight consecutive grand final victories with St George.

The legendary lock also captained Australia eight times during his 39-Test career, including the 1968 World Cup-winning side.

Born in Revesby, Raper debuted for Newtown in 1957, playing 37 games for the 'Bluebags' before forging his magnificent career with the iconic Dragons team of the 1950s and 60s.

Andrew Johns, John Raper, Ron Coote and Norm Provan, pictured here after being inducted into the NSW Team of the Century in 2008.
Andrew Johns, John Raper, Ron Coote and Norm Provan pose on stage after being inducted into the NSW Team of the Century in 2008. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

He pulled on the famous Red V jersey 185 times and won his premierships between 1959 and 1966.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys was among the many to pay tribute to Raper.

β€œToday we have lost one of our all time greats. An Immortal, a Kangaroos captain and an eight-time Premiership winning player. Johnny was the best of the best,’’ he said.

β€œJohnny was a football genius. He had a gut instinct for rugby league like few we have seen.

"He wasn’t the biggest player on the field, but he was the smartest.

"Johnny’s feats with the Dragons will remain part of rugby league legend forever.

β€œOn behalf of the game, I send my deepest condolences to Johnny’s family, friends and teammates.”

Rugby league world pays tribute to Johnny Raper

Tributes have also been flooding in for Raper on social media.

"The St George Illawarra Dragons are deeply saddened by the passing of St George Dragons and rugby league immortal Johnny Raper," the club said in a statement.

Socceroos great Mark Bosnich tweeted: "Sad day for all sports fans".

with AAP

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