Vale Johnny Raper

[FinestTigers]

 

[stryker 69]

Sad news.
Another legend has joined the previously departed immortals.
See ya Chook, thanks for the memories.

 

[rex2ce]

RIP John

 

[pawsandclaws1]

A sad day especially for his family. But for me the end of the style of lock forward such as Raper, Coote, Pearce, Pringle, Leis and Clyde is a huge shame. The game was far better when we had genuine locks, not props masquerading at a 13 or 8.

 

[earl]

RIP

 

[Geo]

R.I.P.

Be a good footy game in the sky..

 

[TigerJunior4]

Very sad day for the Rugby League community and sincere condolences to his family for their loss.

I’ve been lucky enough to watch some old test matches from the 60’s and he was a phenomenal player. Probably the best lock I’ve ever seen and certainly the best cover defender. Without a doubt he earned his status as an Immortal.

 

[Tim Sheens]

Not quite old enough to remember him playing, though heard his name a lot as a youngster.

 

[Tim Sheens]

A sad day especially for his family. But for me the end of the style of lock forward such as Raper, Coote, Pearce, Pringle, Leis and Clyde is a huge shame. The game was far better when we had genuine locks, not props masquerading at a 13 or 8.

Think that the latter has often been the behest of coaches and their tactics. Hopefully our WT have moved on from that with the signing originally of Hastings likely an option to fill the changed role and then Peachey after Doueihi went down.

Neil Pringle was my favourite player when I first started watching footy at Leichhardt oval.

 

[Curaeus]

Saw the great man play several times in the 60's. One of the toughest and most skilful players I ever saw. Rest in peace champion and condolences to your family and many friends

 

[Cobarcats]

RIP Chook. One of the greats.

 

[Demps]

Before my time.
Know he's a well respected man tho.

Rest in peace to a confirmed legend.

 

[momo_amp_medo]

View attachment 21

Sad news …. All the greats are leaving in droves.
And I saw him play ….. what a great player and classy individual.
R.I.P Johnny you left some great memories behind.

 

[TCL]

time gets us all. RIP

 

[tiger_one]

RIP Mr Raper

The Aussie Kangaroos toured England in 1967, the Aussies winning the test series 2-1.
But the lasting scandal of the tour was the infamous "Bowler Hat incident."
The tour entered rugby league legend when one of the tourists was spotted walking through the streets of the West Riding town wearing nothing but a bowler hat and tie.
For years, Johnny Raper was thought to be the player responsible.
He even called his autobiography "The Man in the Bowler Hat", but years later it was revealed the Queensland forward, Dennis Manteit, was the player involved.
There's been many a beer downed with this yarn over the years.

Check out:

Leeds Rhinos nostalgia: '˜Man in the bowler hat' added to red faces in Kangaroos camp

THE 1967 Australian touring team retained the Ashes with a 2-1 series win over Great Britain, but gained a place in rugby league folklore for their shenanigans off the field rather than feats on it.

www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk

 

[eyewondertoo]

Raper,Smith,Changa,Gasnier,Walsh- now there was a core you could build a team around- no wonder they won 11 premierships in a row
and a raper covering tackle was a sight to see

 

[Telltails]

Sad week for footy stories. Royce and Turvy featuring in stories about their battle against Dementia both in their sixties. Losing Johnny Raper to the dreaded disease today - tough time for all their loved ones.

 

[diedpretty]

R.I.P. Johnny Raper - another great gone.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Raper,Smith,Changa,Gasnier,Walsh- now there was a core you could build a team around- no wonder they won 11 premierships in a row
and a raper covering tackle was a sight to see

From all accounts, Gasnier was a gentleman and widely respected.