John Riley, at his Burraneer home. Picture by Murray Trembath

Training was a bit different back in the days when John "Johnny" Riley played rugby league for St George during the club's golden era.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

or signup to continue reading

Riley recalled how the first, second and third grade teams trained together at the same time on Jubilee Oval, each using a portion of the field and dodging the roped- off cricket pitch.

"Before training, we played touch together, and later we all went up to the Carlton pub," said Riley, who was Reg Gasnier's centre partner.

Johnny Riley playing for St George at the SCG. Picture John Riley's collection

"It never made any difference what grade you were playing - we were all part of the club."

On the 70th anniversary of the start of St George's incredible 11 straight premierships, Riley is putting out a call for surviving players from the three grades between 1956 and 1966, to attend a reunion at St George Leagues Club on July 26.

Riley, 86, and living at Burraneer, suggested the reunion to the club, and it was readily agreed to by Craig Young and other officials.

St George on their lap of honour after the 1962 grand final. Reg Gasnier is at far left, Johnny Riley at far right.

Brian Graham, Johnny King, Ken Maddison, Brian Messiter, Barry Beath and Bruce Pollard are some of the first graders who are expected to attend.

Riley said others, such as Kevin Ryan, Johnny Greaves and Billy Smith are "doing it tough and won't be able to make it".

Johnny Riley with Saints secretary Frank Facer. Picture from John Riley's collection

Riley played for Ramsgate United, who had St George colours, when he was growing up.

"All I ever wanted to do in my life was play for St George," he said.

"I used collect autographs of players like Norm Provan and 'Killer' Kearney, and then one day I was playing with them."

John Riley and his Australian jumper. Picture by Murray Trembath

Riley played Reserve Grade in 1958 and first grade from 1959 to 1964. He also played for Australia, but a leg injury forced his retirement.

He worked as an electrician while playing football, and later moved to Melbourne as manager for St George Rangers (electrical appliances).

"I loved playing with Reg, and it's been written he liked playing with me as well - we were a good combination," he said.

"I can still see him running down the field at 100km/h with everyone, including us, chasing him.

"He was a magic guy to play with and a great bloke too. We were friends way after footy, until he passed away."

Undefeated premiers in 1959.

Riley sidesteps the question of whether the modern game is as good or better.

"It's different, totally, and fast and tough," he said.

"They are all monsters, they train seven days a week and have centres of excellence.

"They don't go to work, and can make a million dollars a year. Good luck to them, I'm jealous."

As for St George's present form, he said, "They can keep changing the coach every week, but until they bring in some new blood, they will battle".

"The players are all trying, but I think it will be a long hard season."