Representative Career
Johnny Bliss's general play, speed and try scoring ability was first recognised in 1945 when he was chosen for City firsts in the annual City vs Country match. He would go on to play four games for City (1945, 1947, 1948 and 1951), scoring three tries. In 1947 he played the first of six games for New South Wales, scoring a total of nine tries between 1947 and his last game in 1951. He was selected to represent Sydney against France during their 1951 tour of Australasia in a match that ended in a 19-all draw.
Also in 1951, Johnny Bliss was selected on the wing for Australia for the first Test against the Puig Aubert led France at the Sydney Cricket Ground. France ran out easy 26-15 winners in front of 60,160 fans. Following a poor game in which he, along with several team mates were criticized for 'timid tackling', Bliss was one of six players dropped for the second test held in Brisbane. This was to be the only international match Bliss was selected for in his career.
Unfortunately for Bliss, his form dropped off after his one off test appearance and he was dropped from first grade before the semi-finals. He returned to the side for the Final but missed selection in Manly's first ever grand final appearance against South Sydney that year through injury, the Sea Eagles going down 42-14 to the Rabbitohs at the Sydney Sports Ground. After his retirement, Bliss was the speed guru to several Manly players, including Bob Fulton, Graham Eadie, Russell Gartner and fellow beach sprint champion Nick Yakich.
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