Dragons in mourning as grand final halfback Mark Shulman dies

Former St George halfback Mark Shulman’s death at the weekend came just days after the death of Dragons Immortal John Raper.

St George grand final halfback Mark Shulman has died Mark Shulman (pictured far right) has died.

Former St George grand final halfback Mark Shulman has died, aged 70.

Standing 157cm, Shulman was famous for being among the smallest players in rugby league history and weighed just 60kg.

His death on Saturday came just three days after the death of Dragons Immortal John Raper.

A qualified architect, Shulman suffered a brain aneurysm in Brisbane.

Nicknamed “Bantam”, Shulman played in the drawn 1977 grand final against Parramatta, when he was injured in a tackle by Eels forward Ray Higgs. He was replaced by John Bailey in the grand final replay, won 22-0 by Saints, and played 58 first grade games for the Dragons.

A Ramsgate junior, Shulman was graded by St George in 1971 and learnt his trade under legendary halfback Billy Smith. He made his NSWRL debut in 1971 when replacing Smith, who had a broken arm.

“He was the smallest player I ever played with,” Dragons chairman Craig Young said.

St George grand final halfback Mark Shulman has died Mark Shulman (pictured far right) has died.

“He was tough, particularly in those days. He had commitment and tenacity.

“Mark was a very smart player, which he had to be because of his size, and he just kept persevering and he ended up winning a comp.

“He learnt a lot off Billy Smith and was a great team bloke. We had some great times on and off the field.

“I was talking to (former Saints centre) Graham Quinn this morning and he was talking to Bantam just last week. There was no indication, Mark didn’t have any previous medical history.

“‘Rocket’ (Rod Reddy) spoke to him three weeks ago and I was talking to him before Christmas, just touching base.

“Mark wasn’t a big drinker and he looked after himself. It’s a shock.”

League legend to be honoured with state funeral

By Brent Read, Phil Rothfield

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet personally contacted the family of Johnny Raper to offer them a state funeral in recognition of the St George legend’s immense services to rugby league.

Raper’s son Stuart told News Corp he was initially shocked when he received a call from premier Perrottet on Thursday night.

That shock eventually gave way to immense pride as he and his family digested an honour that has been afforded to precious-few rugby league players.

League Immortal Johnny Raper will be honoured with state funeral. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“The premier rang me last night,” Stuart Raper told News Corp. “It was quite a shock. He offered us a state funeral. I went to all the family, we discussed it and we took up the offer.

“It is a huge respect to dad and his standing in the game, not only as a player but as an individual and an ambassador.

“For me, just growing up and the way he met people and people looked at him, he was well respected. He was very well liked.

“It is a huge honour.”

Raper revealed he had spoken to Scott Fulton, whose father Bob Fulton was offered a state funeral last year. Like Raper, Fulton was one of the original Immortals.

The state government initially declined to offer Fulton a state funeral but then-premier Gladys Berejiklian changed her mind after an overwhelming backlash from the public.

Dragons legend John Raper at his home in 2011.

“I spoke to Scott Fulton last night about how it worked if it was going to happen,” Raper said. “He said it was such a great honour, Bozo (Fulton) was such a great player. Being one of those first original Immortals was such a big thing.

“Dad knew so many people in so many circles of life.”

Premier Perrottet confirmed on Friday that the Raper family had accepted his offer, which was given in recognition of Raper’s “remarkable contribution to the sport of rugby league”.

“On behalf of the people of NSW, I extend my condolences to Mr Raper’s wife Caryl and

three sons Stuart, Kurt and Aaron Raper, his extended family and friends,” Premier

Perrottet said.

“Johnny Raper was one of the original four ‘immortals’, alongside Clive Churchill, Bob

Fulton and Reg Gasnier, and his rugby league career was outstanding.

“He gave so much to the sport and to this state. We will all have an opportunity to honour his memory, his talent and his achievements at a State Funeral.

“He was respected, much-loved and gave so much to the game, inspiring many thousands of players who wanted to play like him. Aside from his on-field skills, Mr Raper was also considered one of the game’s greatest characters.”

Raper, one of the greatest figures in rugby league history, passed away earlier this week after a long battle with dementia.

As well as being a key member of the Dragons’ premiership-winning sides in the 1950s and 60s, he also played 39 Tests for his country and captained the Kangaroos to a World Cup win.

His feats on the field were matched by his antics off it. Raper had a reputation as a lovable larrikin. He enjoyed a drink and a good time, but he never let it affect his performances as he became a pivotal figure in the Dragons side that won 11 successive premierships.

He was honoured for his achievements when he was named as one of the game’s four inaugural Immortals alongside Fulton, Clive Churchill and Reg Gasnier.