Johnny King

Brilliant winger established a record unlikely to be beaten when he scored tries in six successive grand final victories (1960-65). Originally from Gilgandra but brought up through the St George juniors King was the sole try-scorer in two grand finals (1961 & 1964) while his controversial try in the 1963 decider denied Wests the premiership. A lawn-mower accident almost resulted in the loss of his foot in October 1964 but he went on to become the greatest try-scorer in the St George club history (143t). He was also the season's leading try-scorer in 1961 (20t) and 1965 (15t). A NSW rep in four matches between 1963-65 it was not until 1966 that King made his Test debut (he had been a non-playing reserve in 1963). One of the best finishers in the game, the left flankman appeared in 13 Tests, including all six on the 1967-68 Kangaroo Tour. In 1970 he played in three matches for NSW after a five-year absence and was selected in all three Tests in an injury-ridden Australian team against Great Britain. King appeared in just one first grade match in 1971 before heading off to play in the country. In 1974 he coached Western Division to win the inaugural midweek Amco Cup competition before taking over the reins at Souths in 1976 following one of the worst seasons in the club’s history. King achieved good results but although his coaching career in Sydney stalled he enjoyed the satisfaction of coaching Country Seconds to an upset win over City in 1984.