Vale Johnny Raper

[bathursttiger1]

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

Don't forget "Poppa Clay" he was as tough as nails, especially for a 5/8.

 

[hank37w]

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

I used to have a bit of a giggle about the bowler hat episode when it lived on in the JAX the Ripper Tyre Ads on TV. I think there would be quite a few on here that have never seen or heard of it.

A legend with a pretty good sense of humour I would think. I think it was a John Singleton creation and I wonder if there was much money in it back in the day. Can't remember any other rugby league players back in those days featuring in TV commercials.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Don't forget "Poppa Clay" he was as tough as nails, especially for a 5/8.

Poppa Clay and then Tony Branson who went from Nowra Warriors to Country origin then a kangaroo tour and St George

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

Don't forget "Poppa Clay" he was as tough as nails, especially for a 5/8.

And Provan.

 

[Cobarcats]

State Funeral for rugby league 'Immortal' John Raper MBE​

THe service for Johnny Raper will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where he thrilled rugby league fans and enjoyed so much success.
The service on Monday, February 28 at 10.30am will be a ticketed event, with members of the public able to attend.
It will also be livestreamed for those who can't make it to the ground.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said Raper's family selected the SCG due to its strong connection to him, as he was a lifetime member and won eight consecutive grand finals there while playing for St George.
"A state funeral is a worthy tribute for Johnny Raper who was one of the most loved players in the history of rugby league," Mr Perrottet said.
"It's only fitting that family, friends and supporters gather at the SCG in recognition of his achievements and life."
Gates will open at 9.45am and guests and members of the public will need to be seated by 10.15am sharp.
Raper died on February 9 at 82.