WHERE ARE THEY NOW JOHN GRAY
J
A talented sportsman of many codes, the Englishman has called Sydney home for 38 years. BY BARRY ROSS
ohn Gray is remembered as the player who brought around-the-corner goalkicking to Australia when he toured with Great Britain in 1974. Almost 40 years later he is still on the north of the Sydney harbour he marvelled at as a lad from Coventry. A memory of that tour was copping a boot to the face in the second Test. After being off the field for 12 minutes to have nine stitches put into his forehead, Gray returned with his head bandaged and one eye almost closed, yet converted all three of his team’s tries and slotted an angled field goal. Five minutes from the end, with Britain leading 16-8, he left the field with a dislocated finger but still won the man-of-the match award. Gray played in all six Tests on tour (three in New Zealand) and finished as top scorer with 111 from two tries, 52 goals and a field goal. He was approached by several Sydney clubs, and Jack Gibson and Arthur Beetson flew to England hoping to sign him for the Roosters. He would have joined Easts but his club Wigan demanded £21,000, which the Roosters refused to pay. North Sydney approached Wigan a few months later and the fee was reduced to £14,000 and he became a Bear. He still lives in the area at Lavender Bay. After two seasons, Gray moved to Manly in 1978 before returning to North Sydney in 1981 for three more seasons. He played many games as a prop as well as hooker, establishing himself as one of the game’s best ball distributors. He was part of the Manly side that played six play-off matches in ‘78 to win the premiership. Unfortunately he was sent off in a minor semi-final against Parramatta, and missed the preliminary final, grand final and replay against Cronulla.
30
MEN OF LEAGUE NOVEMBER 2013
Born in Coventry, Gray was an all-round sportsman who represented England in rugby union in three Tests, England Midland Schools at soccer, England Schools at cricket and also played county for Warwickshire. He played a couple of seasons of first grade cricket as an opening left-arm bowler with the North Sydney club. John has kept a strong interest in the Manly club and continues to regularly attend their matches. “Rugby league is in great shape,” he said. “There are many skilful guys. Sonny Bill has great all-round talents, but there are plenty of others who are good to watch. “Forwards in the modern game have to have first-class ball-handling skills because if they get half a chance they have to unload a pass to take advantage of the few opportunities that come along. “Clever dummy halves are essential in today’s game, as you can win matches by attacking around this area. Men who have just made a tackle are vulnerable, so quick thinking and clever play in this half area is vital.” Gray taught at North Sydney Marist Brothers and built a successful recycling business with friends. He lives with his wife Karen and they have three daughters and a son. His hobbies are his children, watching all sports, his computer and playing cards.