Australian rugby league player and coach who led the national team to World Cup victory in 1985 and coached several clubs to championships. Known for his innovative coaching style and ability to develop players.
Les Johns is widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby league players of all time, Known for his exceptional skill and flair on the field, Johns is remembered for his impressive career with the Canterbury-Bankstown club and his representation of Australia in international competitions.
Born in 1942 in Newcastle, New South Wales, Johns began his rugby league career with the Newcastles Souths club before moving to Canterbury-Bankstown, where he played for nine seasons from 1963 to 1971.
During his time with Canterbury-Bankstown, Johns scored an impressive 14 tries and 233 goals, as well as 19 field goals, making him one of the most prolific players of his era.
Johns' exceptional skill and dedication to the sport earned him a place on the New South Wales rugby league team, where he played 16 games between 1962 and 1969.
He also represented Australia on 14 occasions, including the 1963-64 Kangaroo tour, and was listed as Kangaroo No. 382 on the Australian Players Register.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Johns was named in the list of Australia's 100 Greatest Players in 2008, commissioned by the NRL and ARL to celebrate the code's centenary year.
In 2011, he was made a life member of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, a testament to his enduring impact on the club and the sport as a whole.
Johns was also named in a South Newcastle team of the century in 2010, cementing his status as one of the greatest rugby league players of all time.
Despite his success on the field, Johns was forced to retire from rugby league in 1971 due to chronic knee injuries, bringing an abrupt end to his playing career.
However, his legacy continues to inspire new generations of rugby league players and fans, ensuring that his impact on the sport will be felt for years to come.
While Johns may not have been known for his public statements, his actions on the field spoke louder than words, earning him a place in the hearts of rugby league fans everywhere.
Johns' career spanned a pivotal era in Australian rugby league, a time of growth and transformation for the sport.
His contributions to the sport helped shape the modern game, influencing generations of players and leaving an indelible mark on the rugby league landscape.
Today, Johns remains an iconic figure in Australian rugby league, a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and sheer talent.
76 Years Old
A legendary rugby league coach and former player, known for his unparalleled success and innovative tactics that transformed the sport. He led several teams to championship titles and was inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame.
59 Years Old
Australian rugby league legend and coach, known for his exceptional playing career and innovative coaching style that transformed the sport.
66 Years Old
Australian rugby league legend, known for his dominant playing career and iconic commentary style. He's a household name in Australian sports, particularly in rugby league circles.
52 Years Old
A legendary rugby league player, coach, and sportscaster, known for his exceptional skills on the field and insightful commentary off it.
54 Years Old
Australian rugby league legend, renowned for his exceptional playing career and successful coaching stints, including leading the New South Wales State of Origin team. He's also a popular sportscaster, known for his insightful commentary.
65 Years Old
Australian rugby league legend and coach, renowned for leading the national team to numerous World Cup titles and earning a reputation as one of the greatest players and coaches in the sport's history.
75 Years Old
A legendary rugby league player and coach, known for his impressive playing career and successful coaching stints, including leading Australia to World Cup victories.
78 Years Old
A renowned rugby league player, coach, and sportscaster, known for his exceptional skills on the field and insightful commentary off it. He's a legendary figure in Australian rugby league history.
