An extraordinary Rugby League footballer, Les seemed almost too fragile to succeed in one of the most rugged body contact sports in the world. Yet he emerged as one of the most courageous and destructive defenders of any player to represent Australia in the fullback position and combined fine goal-kicking ability with attacking brilliance.
- Status: Pending1971Johns retired from football and picked up his early career as a cricketer.
- Status: Pending2007Inducted Ring of Champions (Hall of Fame),Canterbury Bankstown Football Club.
- Status: Pending2008Included in the NRL's 100 greatest players of all time.
- Status: Pending2011Awarded Life Membership of the Canterbury Bankstown Rugby League Club
Beginnings
Les was born in Newcastle and attend Marist Brothers Hamilton. On joining Canterbury in 1963 in first grade, Les would quickly establish himself as a goal kicking fullback playing for NSW and Australia that season. He would play nine seasons for the Bulldogs.
Achievements
In 1963-64 season, Les made his international debut against South Africa and and in the same season toured with the Kangaroos and went with the Australian side to England and France.
He missed the 1968 World Cup as his face was smashed in five places after a punch from a Country forward in the annual clash with Sydney earlier in the year.
Post Representation
Not only was he an outstandibg rugby league fullback, Johns was also a prominent batsman, playing for the Bankstown, Petersham, Sutherland and St George first grade cricket clubs over a period of 25 seasons