Rugby league Immortal Johnny Raper has been farewelled at a state funeral at the Sydney Cricket Ground, after his death earlier this month at the age of 82.
Under gloomy skies, Raper’s white casket, adorned with the famous Red V, graced a ground that saw so many iconic moments during his glittering career, as friends, family and dignitaries gathered to remember the St George legend.
One of those to pay tribute was former Prime Minister John Howard, a lifelong Dragons fan and friend of the Raper family.
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“He was, by any definition, an extraordinary player,” Mr Howard said.
“His place in the hearts of Australian rugby league followers is something that goes beyond the confines of that code, great though were his achievements in it.
“He was able to leave behind not only a wonderful legacy in his chosen sport, but also as an Australian sporting character.”
Raper played in eight of St George’s 11 consecutive premiership wins in the 1950s and 1960s, and represented both New South Wales and Australia with distinction, making three tours with the Kangaroos.
In 1981, Raper was among the first four rugby league Immortals named, along with Reg Gasnier, Bob Fulton and Clive Churchill.
Raper’s son Stuart delivered the eulogy, admitting that summing up his father’s life in a few minutes was a monumental task.
“Everyone that knows Dad, knows that fitting his life into a small eulogy is nearly impossible,” he said.
“A statement you hear a lot is, ‘When he was made, they broke the mould.’
“This actually doesn’t do justice for Dad. I think they created a special mould for him, as he lived an amazing life.”
Stuart’s brothers Kurt and Aaron also spoke, with Kurt recalling a piece of advice he was given as a youngster.
“I always took note of the little things he said about playing rugby league,” he recounted.
“He always said, ‘It’s not a hard game to play, son, don’t make it hard.’
“That’s easy for him to say, I was not made an Immortal.”
The current St George Illawarra squad formed a guard of honour as Raper’s coffin was taken from the SCG by his six brothers, to the sounds of ‘When the Saints Go Marching In.’
Raper is survived by his wife Carol and three sons Kurt, Aaron and Stuart.
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