Johnny Mayes, a former Sydney Roosters player and Australian rugby league representative, has passed away at the age of 78 following a brave battle with a brain tumour.
Mayes was a key member of the Roosters’ back-to-back premiership winning team in 1974 and 1975 under coach Jack Gibson.
He also played for Australia in the 1975 World Cup.
Mayes’ son, Glen, revealed that his father’s condition had deteriorated rapidly, saying, “It’s a big shock to the family, dad had an MRI last week and it showed a very aggressive brain tumour.”
Despite attempts to slow the tumour’s progression with steroids, they were unsuccessful.
Mayes had been living in Evans Head on the NSW coast, where he was a much-loved member of the local community.
His family, including four children and six grandchildren, have been by his side throughout his illness.
A local junior and life member of the Roosters, Mayes played for the club in the 1970s, with a brief stint at Manly in 1973, where he also won a premiership.
After retiring from football, he worked full-time to support his family following the death of his father at the age of 14.
The rugby league community has been left mourning the loss of a talented player and beloved figure.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.