VALE – John William “Chook” Raper MBE

Men of League Member #8

12/4/39 – 9/2/22

Camperdown, Bluebag, Dragon, Kangaroo, Immortal.

The Men of League Foundation is deeply saddened at the passing of our friend, John Raper.

We send our deepest condolences to Caryl, Stuart, Aaron, Kurt and their extended family and friends.

The Raper family has been a part of the Men of League Foundation since its inception, with John’s brother Maurie still an active member of our Southern Sydney Committee and John’s son Stuart, a previous State Manager of our Foundation.

Earlier today Men of League Honorary President Ron Coote reflected on his great friend’s impact on rugby league; “John Raper was a great bloke and an all-time great rugby league player, he was also a terrific leader. I played under his captaincy a couple of times and he was just a great captain, the best”

“Chook” has one of the most decorated careers in the history of rugby league, with 33 test caps, 6 world cups, 8 Premierships with St George, 24 matches for NSW, Team of the Century Honours for the ARL, NSWRL, NSW Police and Wests Newcastle, and a fine coaching career with St George (Captain Coach), Wests Newcastle (Captain Coach), Kurri Kurri, Cronulla and Newtown.

Australian Selector, Australia Sport Hall of Fame, Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame, legend.

Thanks for the memories John.

May he rest in peace.