Johnny Raper: The crafty five-eighth who achieved rugby league immortality as the game's greatest forward

Johnny Raper was one of rugby league's great characters and to some the sport's greatest player.

He died aged 82 after a long battle with illness.

A rugby league Immortal for his heroics with Newtown, St George, New South Wales and Australia, Raper was an icon of the sport for over half a century and will remain so as long as the game is played.

Born in Revesby in 1939, Raper played his junior football with Camperdown before he was graded with Newtown in 1957.

After two seasons with the Bluebags as a five-eighth, Raper transferred to St George for 1959. The Dragons had already won three straight premierships when he arrived, but Raper fit in immediately among their galaxy of stars.

In the space of one magical year, Raper made his interstate debut for New South Wales, his Test debut for Australia and played a major part in the Dragons' unbeaten premiership campaign.

From there, the glories came thick and fast.

Skilful and quick enough to play in the centres or at five-eighth, Raper's true home was at lock forward, where he matched his attacking brilliance with a reputation as a rugged defender, with a particular gift for cover tackles.

After his breakout 1959 season there was no glory that eluded Raper over the rest of his glittering career.

He was part of each St George premiership from 1959 to 1966, and along with fellow Immortals Reg Gasnier, Norm Provan and Graeme Langlands, he helped continue the greatest club dynasty Australian rugby league has ever known or will ever know.

Raper was an automatic selection for New South Wales, pulling on the sky blue jersey on 31 occasions and was often at his best in the representative arena, especially for Australia.

In 39 Test matches (and 35 tour games) for his country, Raper's play was