The John Farragher Story - The Day Henson Park Fell Silent.

In 1978, a routine scrum at Henson Park changed Rugby League forever.
Penrith forward John Farragher was just 21 when a tragic on-field accident left him a quadriplegic — a moment that stunned players, fans, and the entire game.

The incident didn’t spark an immediate rule change, but it became a powerful reminder of the dangers of collapsed scrums. Over the following decade, Rugby League authorities introduced reforms that gradually made scrums safer and less contested — including the “loose-head and feed” rule, the differential penalty, and later, the sixth-tackle handover. By the 1990s, serious scrum injuries had virtually disappeared from the game.

Yet amid tragedy, John Farragher’s courage stood as tall as any champion. His determination to rebuild his life inspired generations and reminded the sporting world what true strength looks like — both on and off the field.

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