John Jansen (rugby league)
John Jansen is an Australian former rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s and 1980s.
Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | John Jansen | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 26 March 1955 Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia | |||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Second-row | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Career
Originally from Corrimal, New South Wales, John 'JJ' Jansen came to the St George Dragons in 1976, as a 21-year-old. He had an immediate impact in the lower grades and cemented a first grade position in the second-row alongside Robert Stone and blossomed under the guidance of master coach Harry Bath.
Jansen won a premiership with St George Dragons in 1977, he played in the drawn 1977 Grand Final and scored a marvelous try in the 1977 Grand Final replay. He would have been picked in the 1979 Grand Final squad if a chronic knee injury hadn't ruined his season.
1983 was his last season, and due to a season-ending injury to Craig Young, John Jansen captained the Dragons to the semi-finals. He later coached the lower grades at St George Dragons and the Illawarra Steelers.[1]
Rugby League legend and Immortal, Johnny Raper stated in the Big League Magazine on 17 September 1977 about John Jansen and Robert Stone that "They are potentially the best pair of second rowers St. George have ever had."[2]
References
- Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players. 1995 edition. (ISBN 978-1-875169-57-3)
- Big League Magazine 17–23 September 1977. Volume 58. No.31 - Article- 'Dynamic Duo' (pages 4 & 5)