The NRL community is mourning the death of former Bulldogs, Dolphins and Queensland player Ron Raper – the brother of Immortal Johnny Raper. Ron played 168 games for Canterbury and 32 for Redcliffe, as well as two for Queensland in 1973.
He died in Queensland this week at age 80 after what the Queensland Rugby League described as a “long battle with ill health”. The death is being felt in the Maroons’ State of Origin camp, with Raper’s son Steve part of Billy Slater’s staff.
Ron Raper (second from right) played for Queensland, while his son Steve is a member of the Maroons State of Origin staff (L). Image: Getty/Ultimate Bulldogs Fan Page
It’s the third time in the last 12 months that a member of the Queensland Origin set-up has lost their father. Cameron Munster played last year’s decider after the death of his father Steven, while Tino Fa’asuamaleaui lost his dad Fereti before Game 2 this year.
Raper went on to have a legendary coaching career in Queensland, leading Wests Brisbane and Redcliffe. The QRL said in a tribute: “Raper forged a reputation as Queensland’s version of Jack Gibson when he steered Wests to back-to-back Brisbane premierships in 1975-76 after the Panthers had last tasted grand final glory in 1954.”
Ron Raper is the brother of NRL Immortal Johnny Raper. Image: Getty
He played alongside John Sattler, Wayne Bennett, John Lang and John Grant in the interstate series against NSW, before it was known as State of Origin. He was said to be unlucky to miss out on being picked for Australia in 1973 after breaking his arm. As a coach he handed Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin his first-grade debut.
His brother Johnny is one of 14 NRL ‘Immortals’, while another brother Maurie was a foundation player with Penrith in 1967. Johnny died in 2022, while Maurie died earlier this year. His nephew Aaron played 155 first-grade games across stints with Cronulla, Parramatta and Castleford.
NRL world mourns death of Ron Raper
Wests Brisbane Panthers wrote on social media: “We extend our deepest condolences to the Raper family following the passing of Ron ‘Meggsie’ Raper. Ron was a wonderful man who earned the respect and admiration of everyone across the Wests family and all affiliated clubs. His contribution, friendship, and presence will be greatly missed.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with Steve, Bec, and the entire Raper family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Meggsie.”
Wests Old Boys wrote: “We lost one of our greats. Ron was a great man, resected by everyone, especially Wests supporters, he will be missed.”