A funeral fit for an Australian sporting hero was held in honour of rugby league legend Johnny “Chook” Raper at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday.
The St George Dragons icon died earlier this month, aged 82, following a long battle with dementia.
Raper represented Australia as a lock forward in a then-record 33 Test caps and six World Cup games – serving as captain eight times.
His coffin was carried onto the lawns of the SCG by six of his younger brothers who led a procession of extended family, including his wife Carol and three sons.
A eulogy filled with lighthearted anecdotes was read by his son Stuart, painting the picture of a family man who brought a “rollercoaster” of adventure to their lives.
“He was a family man but that wasn’t just us, that was the whole rugby league fraternity of which we had to share him with,” Stuart said.
“We are very proud of what he achieved and the exciting life he gave us – Miss you Chook.”
John Raper played 232 first grade games for the Newtown Jets and the St George Dragons, where he won premierships.
Considered among the greatest players of the game by rugby league experts, he was also one of the first players to earn the coveted title of Immortal in 1981. He was later inducted into the Australian Rugby League and International Hall of Fame in 2002.
The funeral was attended by politicians, including former Australian prime minister John Howard and NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.
“He was by any definition an extraordinary player,” said Mr Howard during a tribute to the man he adored from the stands of the same sporting ground.
“Thank you Johnny, you have done well mate. You have thrilled many lovers of the game of rugby league, but more brxjmtzywoadly you have left behind a legacy of a remarkable Australian sporting character.”
