Manly, Roosters legend Johnny Mayes dead after battle with brain cancer

Former champion halfback Johnny Mayes, who won three straight premierships at two different clubs, has died after a battle with brain cancer.

Former champion halfback Johnny Mayes – who won three straight premierships at two different clubs – has died.

Mayes, 78, died on Wednesday after a battle with brain cancer.

He won the 1973 grand final at Manly before capturing a further premierships with Jack Gibson’s Eastern Suburbs in 1974 and ’75.

Johnny Mayes (ball) during Easts v Wests first at the SCG. Picture: Phil Marchant

That achievement was later matched by Glenn Lazarus (Canberra and Brisbane) and Cooper Cronk (Melbourne and Sydney Roosters).

Mayes scored a try in Roosters’ famous 38-0 win in the ’75 decider at the SCG.

A 45-year resident of Evans Heads on the NSW north coast, Mayes played 110 games for Easts and 24 in his only season at the Sea Eagles.

He scored 71 tries over 134 first grade matches and represented Australia in three Tests at the 1975 World Cup.

Mitchell Peirce and John Mayes.

Mayes, Roosters’ number 586, also represented City Seconds in 1973 and 1975.

The Roosters paid tribute to Mayes on the club’s social media platforms.

“A true legend of the game,” the post read.

“Three-time premiership winner and a key piece in our back-to-back ‘74 &and‘75 premierships. Rest in peace, Johnny, Forever in our hearts.”