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Les Johns

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.

Rugby League
1942
  • Status: Pending
    1971
    Johns retired from football and picked up his early career as a cricketer.
  • Status: Pending
    2007
    Inducted Ring of Champions (Hall of Fame),Canterbury Bankstown Football Club.
  • Status: Pending
    2008
    Included in the NRL's 100 greatest players of all time.
  • Status: Pending
    2011
    Awarded 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