TWIN brothers Peter and Gerard Raper didn’t need to look far for tips on forward play during their childhood rugby league days.
When your older brother happens to be a rugby league Immortal and regarded as the best lock forward to have ever pulled on a jumper, you simply soak up any advice.
St George and Kangaroos all-time great Johnny Raper was a major influence on the twins’ careers as well as two of his other siblings Ron and Maurie.
Peter, a Fingal Bay resident these days, and Gerard played their junior football with St Christopher’s Panania and enjoyed early success with the Canterbury-Bankstown winning Presidents Cup team in 1976.
Gerard, a skilful lock, captained the Berries to a premiership that day alongside hooker Peter after toppling Parramatta in the Cup Grand Final at Pratten Park.
He was later graded in Under 23s and went on to make his top grade debut for Canterbury with Peter following suit in 1977 – chalking up two first grade matches for the Newtown club as a crafty hooker forward.
After his playing days, Gerard was appointed team manager of the NSW State of Origin squad between 2000 and 2004 as well as the touring 2003 Kangaroos.
Peter is a strong contender for the Fingal Bay Residents United team – a hypothetical squad of former players either residing or owning property in the picturesque coastal village that have played rugby league at senior level in any era.
The concept is the brainchild of Port Stephens sporting identity Neil Parfitt with a view to helping raise funds for the Family of League Foundation charity.
“I’ve had a huge response from former players now living in Fingal Bay and they come from far and wide,” quipped Neil, a prolific try-scoring winger with the Nelson Bay Eels in his heyday.
The players nominated would donate a minimum $10 to register and be part of the Fingal Bay Residents United team, with all proceeds to benefit the Family of League Foundation.
“Our players list spans a wide area from Papua New Guinea, Queensland, Sydney to NSW country and has become a talking point with league diehards in the Port Stephens region,” he said.
For further details contact Neil Parfitt on 0408 684 767 or email asudonlp@gmail.com.
By Chris KARAS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
