Remembering Tony Johnson.

Tony Johnson was born in Jamaica on 30 June 1956, coming to Huddersfield at an early age with his parents Hubert and Myrtle. He attended Paddock Junior School and Royds Hall Secondary Modern.

A strong running, determined back row forward he signed for Huddersfield from Paddock CYC on 13 July 1973 and made his debut in the claret and gold against Castleford in a BBC2 Floodlit Trophy game on 19 September 1973. 

Tony made 99 appearances for Huddersfield, scoring 11 tries in an 8-year spell which ended with his final game on 29 November 1981 against Doncaster.

His finest performance in a claret and gold shirt was in a televised 9-7 victory over Wigan, second division leaders, at Fartown on 15 March 1981. A torrid affair saw six players, three from either side, sent off. Tony was singled out for rough treatment by the Wigan team but made consistent inroads into their defence with some devastating, hard running before being substituted in the second half after receiving treatment on the field on four separate occasions.

In 1982 Tony played three games on loan for both Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Northern and also nine games for Hunslet in their promotion season.

Tony worked at David Brown’s in Meltham as a maintenance engineer before switching careers and joining the Police Force in 1986. After three years on the beat, Tony joined CID working in Wakefield and Huddersfield. He trained as a family liaison officer helping families after tragedies and serious crimes.

Tony kept his interest in Rugby League by assisting the RFL in various investigations/disciplinary issues and as Chairman and longtime supporter of the Huddersfield Rugby League Players’ Association.

Tony married Susan in 1977 and the couple had a son, Mark and twins Matthew and Laura. 

Tony was generous with his time and friendship and respected by friends, teammates and opponents alike. He died on 27 December, aged 66, after a period of illness and will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.