Educated at Forest View High School in Tokoroa, John first played league for local club the Pacific Sharks and the Turangawaewae team in the Ngaruawahia Māori rugby league competition.
The club was formed in 1968 as Ngaruawahia United, made up primarily of the teenagers attending Ngaruawahia High School.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall - (Turangawaewae, Ngaruawahia Panthers) *Kiwis, NZ Maoris, Waikato Rugby League, Sydney Roosters, NRL All Stars