Johnny Graves

Maitland winger scored a host of points with Souths. Playing for Newcastle against England in 1946 'Whacka' Graves crossed for two tries and was quickly signed by Souths the following year. While only a part-time goal-kicker, he took over the role with the Rabbitohs and landed five goals on debut for Australia against NZ in 1948. Exceedingly quick, with the confidence to kick infield if cornered, the flashy winger toured with the 1948-49 Kangaroos and top-scored with 118pts (16t, 35g). Graves played 20 matches on tour (including the First Test against Great Britain) and represented Australia against NZ, Great Britain and France in consecutive years. Graves, who was the season's leading try-scorer in 1951 with 28 tries, was an aggressive player with an overly excitable temperament. Dropped from losing Test sides in 1950 and 1951, he is better remembered for his efforts in Souths' grand final wins which netted two tries against Wests in 1950 and a record four tries in the 1951 grand final thrashing of Manly. Graves still holds two individual records with the club – most tries in a match (5t in 1949) and most points in a match (29pts - 3t, 10g in 1952).