Johnny Slade

Originally from the Stockton, New South Wales area, Slade was a fullback for the Parramatta Eels between 1953 and 1955, then in 1958 and 1959.^[2]

He is remembered for his long range kicking, especially his kicking duels with rival fullbacks and was a crowd favourite at Cumberland Oval. Slade played 77 games with Parramatta in his career, scoring 16 tries, 36 goals and two field goals for a total of 124 points. He also holds the record as the youngest first grade captain-coach when he coached the blue and golds in 1955 at age 21,^[3] being the last coach of the club to avoid the wooden spoon until Ken Kearney seven seasons later.

He returned to Newcastle at the end of his playing career.^[4]

Slade died on 4 February 1991, aged 57.^[5]