On behalf of John Mayes' family, the following funeral service information has been provided:
Funeral Service: Monday, 11th August 2025
Location: Stan Payne Oval, Booyong Street Evans Head
Commencing at: 10:30 AM
Service Stream: Watch Online
Those unable to join the family in person on the day may do so via the live stream link.
Originally Published 30 Jul, 2025
The Sydney Roosters are deeply saddened by the news that one of its favourite sons, and a life member, Johnny Mayes, Player No. 586, has passed away at the age of 78.
Vale Johnny Mayes
A Bondi United junior, Mayes made his first grade debut for the Roosters in 1968 and played 110 matches for the Club, scoring 55 tries. He played nine seasons of first grade at the Club, before retiring in 1977. He was the club’s halfback in the back-to-back premierships of 1974 and 1975 and was the competition’s leading try scorer in 1975.
In 1973 he left the Roosters to play one season at Manly-Warringah, a season in which he played all 24 matches for the Sea Eagles and won his first premiership.
Mayes' premierships in 1974 and 1975 at the Roosters enabled him to claim three successive premierships as a player at multiple clubs, a rarity achieved by very few in the game's history.
His brilliant 1975 form earned him a position in the Australian test team, playing three tests in the 1975 World Cup.
Mayes finished his Roosters career having played 211 grade games in ten seasons at the Club.
The Sydney Roosters extend their heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of at this sad time.
