Quote: stroger "How very sad to learn that a rugby league gentleman has passed away. As a Saints fan, I always appreciated his battles with Karalius and am sad that his type of ball-handling loose-forwards seems to have disappeared from our game.
What a man! When I was secretary of St Helens Schools' RL, I asked Johnny if he would speak at our annual dinner as he was held in such high esteem in the town.
Johnny drove over, wanted no expenses nor fee and donated a gallon bottle of whisky for the raffle. Then drove all the way home!
I will be at the game on Saturday for no other reason really (well, I'll shout for Saints) than to pay my respects to a great player and a role model.
RIP Johnny. We will miss you'"
Great tribute post stroger.
In the 50's my dad had a work commitment every Saturday afternoon and only missed this commitment to attend certain Hull home games. One match he never missed was the St Helens fixture to witness Johnny Whiteley v 'The Wild Bull of the Pampas' - Vince Karalius. The guy I loved to see play in your team was Van Vollenhoven who was a particular favourite winger of mine in that era along with Lionel Cooper (Huddersfield) and the immortal Brian Bevan.