John 'Joe Cool' Dorahy

Wollongong Wests fullback, a teenage NSW Country rep in 1972-73, spent a season with Leigh in England with his brother Tony before coming to Wests in 1974. A fine defender with a great kick and chase, John Dorahy was known as 'Joe Cool' because of his composure under pressure. He represented Australia in the two Test series against NZ in 1978 but injury ruled him out of Kangaroo contention that year. In 1979 he made his only appearances for NSW (as a centre) but joined big-spenders Manly the following year. His two seasons with the club were hampered by knee and neck injuries and, in 1982, he returned ‘home’ to captain I’warra in the club’s debut season. Dorahy scored the then club record 463 career points during his four seasons with the Steelers but, in 1983-84, successfully tested the international transfer ban to play with Hull KR. He won the Harry Sunderland Trophy as 'Man of the Match' in the 1984 premiership final. Dorahy did not return to Sydney until 1987 and, linking with Norths, defied 'father-time' when chosen as Country Origin fullback in 1988 after first choice Garry Jack was suspended (this was 16 years after Dorahy had made his senior representative debut!) He later captain-coached Halifax but his time with English club champions Wigan was much more controversial. Dorahy was chosen to replace John Monie in the 1993-94 season but was sacked after just one season - the victim of internal politics despite Wigan's wins in the Challenge Cup and premiership final. He returned to Australia soon after and has been an assistant coach with I’warra, W’Reds and Wests.