RIP Johnny Rae : Wed Mar 24, 2021 8:28 am  

More sad news in the passing of Johnny Rae. He was my favourite forward when I started following Northern in mid 60's. Great runner and fantastic cover tackler who also glayed for Great Britain. RIP Johnny.

Re: RIP Johnny Rae : Wed Mar 24, 2021 9:04 am  

He was my favourite player when Northern re-started in 64. I used to love the move he did from the base of the scrum with Tommy Smales. Basically Smales (scrum half) would go round the back of the scrum pretend to pick the ball up and break down the open side and attract opposition defenders only to find Tommy had left the ball behind the scrum where Johnny Rae would pick it up and gallop away down the blind side!!!!

Re: RIP Johnny Rae : Wed Mar 24, 2021 9:48 am  

Yes it was a great move and used regularly. It was a move also used by Bak Diabira.

[Bullseye]

Re: RIP Johnny Rae : Wed Mar 24, 2021 9:49 am  

ifallwerelikemumby wrote:

He was my favourite player when Northern re-started in 64. I used to love the move he did from the base of the scrum with Tommy Smales. Basically Smales (scrum half) would go round the back of the scrum pretend to pick the ball up and break down the open side and attract opposition defenders only to find Tommy had left the ball behind the scrum where Johnny Rae would pick it up and gallop away down the blind side!!!!

I remember Deryck Fox and Peter Smith doing that for Fev too. A great move when it came off.

RIP Johnny.

[Bulliac]

Re: RIP Johnny Rae : Wed Mar 24, 2021 10:19 am  

Another Northern great gone. Terrific typically pugnacious Cumbrian forward with all the skill too. The game has changed so much over the years but it's hard to imagine that Johnny wouldn't have been a star today. RIP

[Bullseye]

Re: RIP Johnny Rae : Wed Mar 24, 2021 10:32 am