John Riley

Club Appearances: 61

Club Debut Year: 1959

Club Final Year: 1964

Position: Centre

Club Points: 66

Club Tries: 22

Representative Honours:

  • NSW v Qld: 1
  • Australia: 1
Appearances breakdown:

  • St George: 61
Points breakdown:

  • St George: 66

Was six weeks younger than Reg Gasnier, but was first of the pair into first grade, making his debut in the opening round of 1959. Gasnier’s first game was in round 4. Picked for City Firsts in 1959, and was a reserve for Australia against New Zealand. Missed the 1959 Grand Final with a strained hamstring but was picked for the 1959–60 Kangaroo tour, and played in the first Ashes Test on the wing. Played in the 1962 Grand Final and was involved in a key moment in the second half when Lumsden dropped the ball, Wests Peter Dimond kicked it through, and Riley managed to prevent Dimond forcing the ball. Moved to Melbourne in 1965 and won a premiership with Moorabbin

Played a total of 61 games for St George