Johnny ‘Wacker’ Graves

Johnny ‘Wacker’ Graves

Pride Of The League

In 1925 a wonderful journalist named Claude Corbett named South Sydney as the ‘Pride of the League’. He did this because Souths played a type of expansive game that excited the crowd. As a result, the ball quite often ended up in the winger’s hands as he scooted off to score a try. South Sydney has had a procession of brilliant wingers up to the present day. One was a match winner, Johnny ‘Wacker’ Graves.

Early Life For Johnny

Johnny’s life began way back on August 28th 1926. He lived in West Maitland, actually next door to Les Darcy, the famous boxer. Educated at Marist Brothers School, his ambition was firstly to become a Brother. It took a little while for him to realise that he was not temperately suited to such an occupation. Mum also thought the game of rugby league was was too rough and dangerous. It was not the type of boisterous game for her little boy. Consequently, Johnny had to sneak his football gear out the window. At the same time he was professing to be going to Tech. He also tried his hand at boxing but gave that away.

“Graves? Yes That Is My Occupation”.

Graves began playing rugby league for Maitland in 1944 and represented Newcastle in 1946. This subsequently brought him to the attention of city scouts. One such scout was an undertaker names Dave Spring. Dave was responsible for hunting down some of Souths greatest signings. While in Maitland to look over Johnny, the Maitland officials got wind of Spring’s presence. These officials were not amused, thinking their top youngster might then be poached. They confronted Dave and asked him firmly if he was indeed interested in Graves. “Yes I’m interested in graves, (little ‘g’) that is my occupation”, was the response that staggered the officials. It is now history that Graves (capital ‘G’) as well as Clive Churchill were signed for the 1947 season.

1948 Tour For 4 South Sydney Players

1948 was the year Souths left behind the tribulations of the previous few years. Four players were chosen to tour England. Johnny Graves was one of them. It was also the season where Graves became established as one of Rugby League’s great kickers. In a representative match a kicker was needed and Johnny stepped up and kicked 5 in the match. The following year Souths played in a Grand Final. They were then building to something special.

Mitchell And Graves The Showmen

Latrell Mitchell is a real showman. He loves to play up to the crowd. Souths fans, of course, love everything he does. Opposition fans are less than complementary. These, less than complimentary opinions expressed by said opposing fans only serve to inspire Latrell to greater feats. Some players just use the football field like a Greek theater. Johnny Graves was like that. He was a big match player who liked to pull a game out the fire with a late score. The crowd used to bait him and abuse him. He didn’t care. He reasoned that they pay their money and can say what they like.

Graves The ‘Big Match’ Winner

One such ‘big match’ moment was in 1950 against Manly. There was a huge crowd at Brookvale Oval. Souths scored a try on full time to even up the scores. A conversion was needed to win. The crowd surged onto the field before the kick. The Police had to make a tunnel for Johnny to run in to attempt the kick. One punter called out,”You’ll never kick that lolly legs”. “Won’t I matey?”, was the reply. “You’ll read about it in the papers tomorrow”. They did too.

1950 Final – Dropped Then Reinstated

‘Wacker’ did not always satisfy the selectors wishes. One occasion was in the final series for the 1950 premiership. Johnny was sensationally dropped for the semi final against Newtown. Even though Souths won this match Graves was reinstated for the final game. This was premiership final against Wests. Souths won this game to secure the premiership with Graves scoring two tries. Frank Stanmore, the Wests’ captain ruefully said, “Why did Souths have to bring Graves back, we would have been better off without him”.

1951 – Johnny’s Glory Day

Additionally Johnny Graves’ most glorious day has to be the 1951 Grand Final. That year South Sydney swept all before them, losing only one game in the regular season. They sensationally lost the semi against Saints. A Grand Final then had to be played. On a Sunday too. Very controversial. Manly was having their first go in a premiership decider. They were to be disappointed as Souths racked up a record score. Johnny was to have a day out. He scored 4 tries. However, even he had to tip his hat to Churchill who fed him most of his opportunities.

Life After Football

Graves continued to play for Souths until 1952. He went out into the country, as a lot of players did, and had some successful seasons, especially in Cootamundra. Returning to Souths, he became a selector for a few seasons. Johnny Graves died on 23rd July 1983.

‘Wacka’ Graves will be certainly remembered as one of Souths great wingers and point scorers. He once scored 29 points in a game against Eastern Suburbs. He also scored 5 tries in a game. Johnny Graves certainly deserves a place in South Sydney’s memory.

Johnny ‘Wacker’ Graves.

By Mark Emery for Bunnies TV.