Ernie Johnson has a fine pedigree in rugby league. He is the son of Wests player Norm Johnson (#278) who played with Wests in the 1930’s. Norm Johnson married Effie West McFayden who is the daughter of Wests great administrator, Ernie McFayden.
Ernie was a very good schoolboy football player who captained the NSW Combined High Schools Rugby Union team in 1953. He started his senior football career playing rugby union before coming across to Wests to play rugby league.
His time at Wests coincided with the start of Wests golden era in the late 1950’s so his opportunities were limited. Ernie trained as a Teacher and his profession took him around the State. He did spend a significant time in the 1960’s in Canberra where he also became a well known Sports Journalist.
