Ian Johnston

Newcastle fullback shifted to five-eighth following the emergence of budding champion Clive Churchill in the district. Johnston partnered the legendary Vic Hey at P’matta in 1948 and represented NSW in 1949. He then became the club's first Test player when he earned a place on the NZ tour, kicking 3 goals in Australia's 26-14 loss in the First Test. In 1951 he became the first P’matta player to top 100pts (13t, 38g) but it was a long time between drinks at national level. After shifting to the country to play with Young in 1953 he came back to P’matta but left for Coonamble after six matches following a dispute with the club. Johnston captain-coached Maitland in 1955 before joining Wests the following year. He duly gained selection on the 1956-57 Kangaroo tour - seven years after achieving his first Test cap – and although he did not play in another Test match he scored 7 tries in 9 games.