Johnny Raper - Accolades

Accolades

In 2002 Raper was inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame. In 2007 he was selected by a panel of experts at lock in an Australian 'Team of the 50s'.

In February 2008, Raper was named in the list of Australia's 100 Greatest Players (1908–2007) which was commissioned by the NRL and ARL to celebrate the code's centenary year in Australia. Raper went on to be named as lock in Australian rugby league's Team of the Century. Announced on 17 April 2008, the team is the panel's majority choice for each of the thirteen starting positions and four interchange players. While playing football, Raper also served in the New South Wales Police Force and in 2008, rugby league's centenary year in Australia, he was named at lock in a NSW Police team of the century. In 2008 New South Wales announced their rugby league team of the century also, and again Raper was named at lock.

Raper was named captain and second-row forward in the Western Suburbs Rosellas' team of the century.

Always regarded as a larrikin in his playing days, Raper now is seen as one of Rugby League's most ardent ambassadors and senior statesmen. In 2000, his portrait was entered into the Archibald Prize.