1. Rupert John Rayner was an Australian state and national representative rugby league player and NSWRFL coach.
17 Facts About Jack Rayner
1. 2.
Jack Rayner's club playing career was with the South Sydney Rabbitohs from 1946 to 1957 and he represented New South Wales on eleven occasions and played in five Test matches for the Australian national side.
3.
Jack Rayner served with the AIF in World War II in Papua New Guinea.
4.
Jack Rayner played rugby league in some inter-regiment games and was spotted by former Kangaroo and South Sydney coach Eric Lewis, who suggested that Rayner try out for Souths once the war ended.
5.
Jack Rayner was introduced to the club by South's stalwart, Eric Lewis.
6.
Jack Rayner trialed with Souths in 1946 and was graded straight to first grade.
7.
Jack Rayner broke his ankle early in the 1946 season and the club ended up winless that year.
8.
In 1947 Jack Rayner was selected as club captain due to his leadership skills and tough performances as a second rower and the club managed nine wins and began to move up the premiership ladder.
9.
Souths were by now the main premiership force and under Jack Rayner entered their most successful era.
10.
Jack Rayner had overtaken Benny Wearing's record for most games with the Rabbitohs.
11.
Jack Rayner was first called up to represent his state in 1947.
12.
Jack Rayner made eleven appearances for the New South Wales rugby league team scoring two tries with a total of six points.
13.
Jack Rayner was a reserve in the second test of that series in Brisbane.
14.
Jack Rayner was a Police Detective by occupation and a man whom the Sydney Telegraph obituary described as renowned for his sportsmanship and dignified manner and who embodied an "Australian tough but fair attitude".
15.
Jack Rayner took up the reins as South Sydney's player-coach in 1949 and held that role for all five of the premiership victories he enjoyed at Souths.
16.
Jack Rayner's playing retirement in 1957 marked his coaching retirement at the club.
17.
Jack Rayner coached the club to 5 premierships: 1950,1951,1953,1954 and 1955.