Billy Rayner
Hooker
Player Bio
- Inducted:
- 2004
- Date of Birth:
- 22 May 1935
- Birthplace:
- Yass, NSW
- Nickname:
- -
- Debut Team:
- Parramatta
- Date:
- 02 April 1956
- Opposition:
- -
- Venue:
- Cumberland
- Representative:
- Australia, Rest of the World, NSW Firsts, Metropolis, NSW City Firsts, Possibles (AU), NSW City Seconds, Monaro, Southern NSW, Riverina
- Club:
- Parramatta
Career
Milestones
- Test Series - Australia vs France 1960
Biography
Originally from Yass, William ‘Bill’ Rayner was signed by Parramatta Secretary, Jack Scullin after representing Monaro against France in 1955.
The durable hooker had a long career with the Eels and after playing for NSW in 1960, played in two Tests against France. Rayner was selected in the Australian World Cup team that year but did not play in a competition match (he did however, play for 'Rest of the World' against Great Britain).
A member of the Parramatta team that defeated South Africa in 1963 at Cumberland Oval, he became a director of the Parramatta Club after his retirement. He would run the players’ BBQ. The gymnasium at the former Parramatta Stadium was named in his honour.
Bill Rayner passed away after a short illness in 2006.
Hall of Fame Members
Parramatta Eels respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.