By Jon Geddes

NORM Osborne never played for the Wallabies, nor was he a member of Australian rugby’s blazer brigade.

But “Nobby”, who passed away last Saturday after a battle with cancer aged 78, epitomised all the characteristics that make the Shute Shield such a special and unique part of the sporting landscape.

A rugby man down to his bootlaces, his contribution to the game through his beloved Northern Suburbs was immense.

During his association with the club, which stretches back 56 years, “Nobby” was a player, coach, manager and supporter.

EX-TEST STARS REMEMBER NOBBY  

IN a sign of the high regard in which Osborne was held, ex-Wallabies have spoken from the heart about his dedication and contribution to the game and the club he was so passionate about.

“His legacy is the impact he had on so many Norths players in their development from young men into experienced footballers and people,” said former Norths, Waratahs and Wallaby centre Richard Tombs.

“He always had an opinion, he didn’t sit on the fence, which always created discussion and debate.

“It was always good to have him around with his lively discussions. He will be missed – especially at Percys (the pub across the road from North Sydney Oval).”      

Another former Norths’ Wallaby, Adam Ashley-Cooper, also applauded the late elder statesman of his club.

“With all the time “Nobby” gave to Norths he leaves a special legacy that we get to hold onto in our remaining days at such a special club,” he said.

‘A BEAUTUFUL BLOKE’  

EX-Test halfback Peter Carson first met Osborne when he joined Norths in his first year out of school in 1970 and that was the start of the long friendship between the No.9s – even when  both were vying for a first grade spot.      

“He was very welcoming to me as a schoolboy just joining the club, and immediately the penny dropped that he was a real character,” Carson said.

He remembers that Osborne was one of the club identities who stuck by Norths during their eight dark seasons in second division.

“The thing with “Nobby” was that he did a lot of stuff for young newcomers to the club most people wouldn’t know about. And it was out of the goodness of his heart,” Carson said.

“He really was a beautiful bloke … and he was pretty good at giving people a kick in the bum if they needed it.”

A REAL CHARACTER

DURING his playing career “Nobby” was sent off in an end of season game against Drummoyne at Drummoyne Oval.

He told the judiciary panel there was no point in suspending him as he was not playing the following season.

The panel ended up wishing him all the best in retirement. Then, low and behold, “Nobby”  must have had a rethink over summer because he laced up his boots again the next year.

“Nobby” would have taken particular delight in that because the judiciary chairman was Malcolm McPhee, who came from Norths bitter rivals Gordon.

Nobby’s great mate and former teammate Neil Whittaker revealed why he was so passionate about managing the fourth grade side, where he finished up in 2021 to become a fulltime  supporter.

“That was his favourite team, and we suspect it because he could get over to Percys earlier,” Whittaker said.  

HIS BRILLIANT CAREER

AFTER he started playing rugby with the Mosman club, from where he was selected as a halfback in the NSW Under 21 side that toured New Zealand, he joined Norths in 1968. And like Hotel California, “Nobby” could check out any time he liked, but he could never leave.   

His impressive CV includes 181 games as a player, including nine in first grade.

He started coaching in 1980, being in charge of every grade from firsts to fourths up until 1994.

During his career the Norths’ life member captained two premiership winning sides, won three premierships as a coach and one as a manager.

Throughout that time “Nobby” had the rare ability to develop strong relationships and friendship with the diverse cast of characters who passed through all his teams.

A PERSONAL MEMORY

YOUR faithful correspondent will never forget “Nobby” giving me my first start in Norths fourths – when, of course, the standard was far higher than it is today and it was survival of the fittest.

For years after that, late into the evening, he would yell out across the old clubhouse or at Percys: “I discovered you!”

It would be nice to say that selection kickstarted an incredible career.

Unfortunately after that day this player was never involved in a game that kicked off after 1.15pm

 “Nobby” is survived by his devoted wife Kerrie, children Jodie, Nathan and Reegan, grandchildren Evie, Hendrix and Bodhi and their families.

Vale Norman “Nobby” Osborne, a true rugby legend.