John Robert Walter Redman was born at Canterbury, New South Wales in 1914, and played rugby league from a young age.

He debuted in first grade for University in 1933 and played 10 games for the club between 1933 and 1934.

After completing his studies, he joined Balmain in 1935 and went on to become one of the best lock-forwards in Sydney rugby league until his last season in 1940.

Redman was selected for NSW City Firsts, playing in one representative game in 1939.

He rose to squadron leader and was shot down over Borneo on 5 July 1945, five days before his 31st birthday.