30-07-2025
Sydney Roosters legend Johnny Mayes loses battle with aggressive brain tumour, aged 78
Tributes are flowing for rugby league champion Johnny Mayes who has lost his battle with a rare and aggressive brain cancer.
It was revealed at the end of April that the Sydney Roosters great only had weeks to live.
But the 78-year-old bravely fought on, dying on Wednesday.
'A true legend of the game,' the Sydney Roosters said on social media on Wednesday.
'Three-time premiership winner and a key piece in our back-to-back '74 ∧'75 premierships. Rest in peace, Johnny, Forever in our hearts.'
Mayes was the first rugby league player to win three successive premierships at multiple clubs.
He won the 1973 NSWRL title before moving to Easts where they won from 1974-75. He played 134 first-grade games.
The halfback started his career at Eastern Suburbs in 1968 before switching to the Sea Eagles after the 1972 season.
He only played one season there but won the Rugby League Week's Player of the Year Award after scoring 16 tries before returning to Bondi in 1974.
Mayes played in the 1975 World Cup for Australia but only played three Tests for his country.
