Born on Belmore River and growing up in Frederickton, John was the youngest of six children. He attended Frederickton Public School and Kempsey High School. As a Junior he played for the Smithtown Tigers RLFC and played for Smithtown Under 17's and First Grade in 1960 and in 1963 went on to win all three grades for his home club.

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South West Rocks local, Eric Adams, friends with Noel Kelly and Billy Adams suggested John come to Sydney for a trial match for the Western Suburbs Magpies in Reserve Grade in 1966 at age 18. From there he was picked to play in the Wests Reserve Grade in 1966 - this season he played 13 First Grade Games out of the 18 under Captain/Coach Noel 'Ned' Kelly.

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John was picked in the City Seconds against Country in 1968. In 1969 he did not play due to dispute with Wests for not releasing John from his contract. Alongside Dennis Tutty they were the first players to test the transfer system in the NSWRL.

 

John moved around positions in 1970 playing with Wests and moved from Wing to Centre and then in 1971 played second row for Wests.

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In 1972 he played City Seconds, selected in the NSW team against QLD, then selected in the Australian Team - Kangaroos v Kiwis playing at the SCG, then at Lang Park where he scored two tries and was named the Man of the Match, selected in the World Cup team, travelled to France - he played against England and lost, played against New Zealand in Paris and won, but broke his arm.

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In 1973 John returned to play against Balmain Tigers at Lidcombe Oval - he broke his arm in the first tackle and he was out for the rest of the season with surgery and plates put in his arm. In 1976 continual issues with his arm forced an early retirement from the Sydney First Grade Competition.

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Returning to the Macleay in 1977 he played for Smithtown Tigers as Captain/Coach. John was heavily involved in coaching for Smithtown Tigers and  Kempsey Dragons for many years. Coaching the Smithtown Tigers First Grade to a premiership in 1977.

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John's involvement in the Marlins was from the start. He attended the first meeting on the 14th December 2012, where the first committee was formed and he was the first sponsor of the Club, donating some cash to get things started. John attended the majority of the Marlins' games, home and away, except if he was on his annual fishing trip to Swains Reef in Queensland.

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An advocate and supporter for country talent travelling to Sydney, John helped out with advice, mentoring and financial assistance.

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John was on the cover of the first issue of Rugby League Week and was named in the Wests Team of the Decade for the 60's & 70's - only player to do so.

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John is a Life Member of Western Suburbs Magpies RLFC, Smithtown Tigers RLFC, Macleay Valley Mustangs RLFC, Kempsey Dragons RLFC and of course the South West Rocks Marlins RLFC. He was the inaugural Marlins Patron from 2013 until his passing in 2023.

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Everyone that met John would have a story to tell about a legend of a man that gave so much to the Rugby League Community.

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And just for the record, the name Snoozer did not come from being well know for 'putting opponents to sleep' with his hard, bone crushing tackles. It was given to him by his coach and life long friend, Noel 'Ned' Kelly, as John was found to be asleep on a park bench when Noel would come to pick him up for training.....hence the nick name Snoozer.

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For more information on John's career visit The Kid From Kempsey on the Pratten Park website.