The MIGHTY EALES

In his latest book, The Immortals of Australian Rugby Union, Gordon Bray aka 'The Voice of Rugby' in Australia, celebrates the greatest players to wear the green & gold for the Wallabies. And as we gear up for upcoming encounters with the likes of Wales and the All Blacks, we deep dive into the life and incredible career of the most successful captain in the history of Australian rugby-JOHN EALES...

- GORDON BRAY

John Eales was Australia's greatest second row (lock) forward-a supreme athlete with an astonishing skillset for such a big man. At 201cm (6 feet 7 inches) and 115kg he could run like a hare, leap like a gazelle and physically challenge the toughest opponent.

His hand-eye co-ordination and goal-kicking prowess showcased a complete package. A double World Cup winner and outstanding leader, his 86 caps produced a win percentage of 79% and included 11 wins from 20 Tests against the All Blacks. Eales was given the nickname 'Nobody' because 'nobody is perfect.

John Eales first walked through the imposing gates of Marist Brothers Ashgrove, Brisbane, in 1980. A skinny yet strapping nine-year-old, he still had two years to go in his primary school education in Brisbane. The William Webb Ellis Cup, symbol of world rugby supremacy, was barely a thought bubble in the outside world. Cricket was his first love and a baggy green cap had already crossed his mind.

But fast forward 11 years and history reveals a very different story. The tallest boy in the class had developed a powerful, elongated athletic frame - one that had catapulted him into the upper echelons of the grand old game of rugby union at its acknowledged home at Twickenham in outer London. Along with his jubilant Wallaby teammates, the 21-yearold was a world champion having defeated England by 12-6 in the Rugby World Cup final.

Eales grew up in a strict Catholic family environment in Grovely, a working class suburb of northwestern Brisbane. His father Jack was a teacher and later primary school principal while mum Rosa had a fulltime occupation raising six children-four girls and two boys. Grandma Nonna, who lived with the family, was John's spiritual guardian angel. She adored the two boys John and Damian, and Eales proudly acknowledges she had a huge influence on his journey to elite sport and beyond.