Ahead of the highly anticipated NRL Grand Final this weekend, is the rare opportunity for supporters to get their hands on match worn jersey's from NRL Player Kevin Smyth's Collection which includes Johnny Raper's Jersey from the famous 1963 Grand Final played at the Sydney Cricket ground.
The two Western Sydney teams are going head-to-head in a grand rivalry this weekend after a premiership drought for Paramatta dating back to 1986 which has coincided with a special auction collection being published by the Smyth family.
This unique collection comes from years of Rayma Smyth's love and pride in her husband's passion for Rugby League. They became a couple in 1952 when Kevin played Rugby League for Parramatta. Rayma started collecting everything regarding Kevin and his love for the game.
Headlining the collection is a Johnny Raper jersey that was worn in the NRL Grand Final played by the St. George Dragons and The Western Suburbs Magpies.
"With the current Grand Final approaching, many footy fans would love to get their hands on iconic pieces of memorabilia and now is their chance," said Mr. Lee Hames, Chief Operations Officer for Lloyds Auctions.
"Many supporters like to reflect on special sporting moments and purchase these items for the mancave or to have as a symbolic artefact of a Grand Final win," continued Mr. Hames.
The Johnny Raper jersey is in very good condition for its age and has been in the hands of Western Suburbs Lock Kevin Smyth when it was given to him on the field after the game in 1963.
The sporting collection features many other unique pieces of memorabilia that have been kept in the Smyth family since they became a couple in 1952.
"The current custodians hope that the memorabilia will find new homes with followers and historians of Australian Rugby League," said Mr. Hames.
There are multiple other jerseys on offer as well as some rare and unseen footage from various footy games, signed autographs from the Australian Rugby League Touring team, various photos of the teams and much more.
The Johnny Raper jersey and NRL memorabilia will go under the hammer in an unreserved auction this Friday 30th September from 7:00pm.
You can view the Johnny Raper jersey here.
