Wests Archive would like to thank John Baker for generously contributing his time and information in the preparation of this profile.
Also, Wests archive would like to acknowledge the assistance of Geoff Smith from Parramatta’s Blue and Gold Alliance. Geoff has been able to provide information regarding John Baker’s playing record at Parramatta.
John Baker grew up at Portland, NSW. The town is located west of Lithgow and has its roots in mining and in particular as home of the Portland Cement Works. The town has produced a number of good rugby league players but none tougher than John Baker.
John started his rugby league career playing in the local competition before moving across to the Lithgow Workers team. He represented Group 10 against the touring New Zealand team after which he was encouraged to try his luck in the Sydney competition.
He joined Wests in 1968 and had six good seasons with the Magpies where he was one of the fan favourites.
John moved across to play with Parramatta in 1974 and over six seasons played in a number of finals series. He was a member of Parramatta’s Reserve Grade premiership team in 1975. He also played in the famous First Grade drawn grand final and grand final replay in 1977.
John retired from playing at the end of the 1979 season after playing in Parramatta’s Reserve Grade premiership team. He then moved to Forster-Tuncurry where he captain-coached the local rugby league team. John has remained in the Forster-Tuncurry area.
