John Whittaker (rugby league)

John Whittaker

Personal information
Full name	John Albert Whittaker
Playing information
Position	Fullback, Wing, Centre
Club
Years	Team	Pld	T	G	FG	P
	Randwick Kingfishers
	Warrington
	Total	0	0	0	0	0
Representative
Years	Team	Pld	T	G	FG	P
	Wellington	73
1970–1982	New Zealand	26	8	0	0	24
	Central Districts	9
1986	Cook Islands
Source:

John Albert Whittaker is a former New Zealand rugby league player of the 1970s and 1980s, who played at international level for the New Zealand Kiwis and the Cook Islands.

Playing career

From the Randwick club, Whittaker also played for Wellington a record 73 times. He played in 73 games for Wellington. Whittaker was involved in Randwick's premierships in 1968, 1969, 1970, 1976 and 1983.

Representative career

Whittaker made his international début for the New Zealand Kiwis in 1970 and went on to play for the Kiwis in twenty four matches, including four world cups. Whittaker's international career spanned thirteen seasons. Despite suffering major injuries in a motoring accident, Whittaker made a full recovery and was recalled in the early 1980s after two years out of the national side.

Whittaker then represented the Cook Islands in the 1986 Pacific Cup.

Notable tour matches

John Whittaker played as a substitute in Warrington's 15-12 victory over Australia at Wilderspool Stadium, Warrington on Wednesday 11 October 1978.

Legacy

In 2012 Whittaker was named as one of the New Zealand Rugby League's Legends of League. At the Wellington Rugby League's Centenary celebrations, Whittaker was named as their player of the century. He was also named in their team of the century.