Panther 135
55 matches [1977-1980]
44 points [14 tries, 1 goal]
Stats: themightypanthers.com/players_ryan-john.htm
Winger who had played six rugby union Tests for the Wallabies between 1975 and 1976. However, he would switch codes in 1977, joining Penrith.
He would play 18 matches in his first season in rugby league, crossing for five tries. However, his contract would not register his contract for 1978.
But he would sit on the sidelines until the end of June, and would be called up later in the season, making another four appearances. It would be enough to secure a new contract, where he would play every match in 1979, before winding up at the end of the 1980 season.
Tragically he died in 1982, aged just 33.
Last updated 10 February 2021
The Mighty Panthers 
John Ryan was never convicted of any crime, nor was he ever jailed. This article needs to be corrected accordingly.
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Hi Terry, article amended to remove that reference. Apologies for any offence caused.
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