One of Australia’s greatest rugby league players, Johnny Gleeson, died today just four days short of his 83rd birthday.
Gleeson, a brilliant five eighth, toured Britain and France with the 1963 and 1967 Kangaroos.
Originally from Chinchilla, Gleeson played for Brothers and Wynnum-Manly in Brisbane after representing Toowoomba in the Bulimba Cup.
He had been battling ill-health for some time.
I will file a more detailed obituary in the coming days.
Steve Ricketts 
Hi Steve, what a sad day for rugby league, John was such a legend of the game and was a wonderful, skilful player to watch. Ray Reithmuller a former Clydesdales player used to say he was blessed to be playing outside 2 of the best in John Gleeson and Cracker McDonald, knocked up scoring tries. Hope you had a happy Christmas Steve, take care,
Regards, Doug Muir
Sent from my iPhone
Thanks Steve for remembering my mate Johnny Gleeson What a player !!!! What a gentleman!!!! I was fortunate enough to tour with Johnny in 1963 He had a marvellous tour His room mate was Les Johns again one of the best fullbacks I’ve seen Both of these mates were inseparable
Rest In Peace Johnny