Tribute to Norm Provan

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-119635

Hansard session: Fifty-Seventh Parliament, First Session (57-1)

Tribute to Norm Provan

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (17:53:59):

On behalf of the House I pay my respects to the late Norm Provan. Norm sadly passed away on 13 October 2021, leaving behind his legacy to both the game of rugby league and the St George community. Nicknamed "Sticks", he was born in the New South Wales Riverina region before playing junior football in the Sutherland shire. Norm then went on to make his debut for the St George Dragons in 1951. He featured in 256 games for the club and played a crucial role in the first 10 of its record run of 11 straight premierships. His success on the field has been acknowledged time and again. In 2018 he was recognised as one of the 13 Immortals of rugby league, the highest honour for any player in the sport. Many also recognise Norm as he appears alongside Arthur Summons on the NRL premiership trophy.

As a lifelong resident of the St George area and as a devoted St George Dragons fan, I understand the impact Norm has had within our local community. Standing 193 centimetres tall—I wish I had some of that height—he was not just a giant of the game but a role model for children and aspiring players across the region. Growing up, everyone wanted to play like Norm Provan. As a second rower his ability to tackle hard and hold his own on the field was unmatched. He is not just one of the most iconic figures in rugby league but in Australian sport as a whole. In 2015 Norm was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, a truly outstanding achievement.

Since Norm passed away there have been growing calls within the community to have the grandstand at Kogarah's Netstrata Jubilee Stadium named in his honour. A petition which has now been launched and circulated in the community has received a few hundred signatures. I strongly support that petition. When many think of the Kogarah stadium they think of the legacy of our rich rugby league history, and no player demonstrates this better than the great Norm Provan, Mr St George. I also understand talks have been underway between the St George Dragons and the NRL about the possibility of the Jubilee Stadium hosting a round one clash to pay tribute to Norm, and again that is something I strongly support.

Sport has been and always will be the lifeblood of the St George community, and I would like to think that the legacy of Norm Provan will be carried on for generations to come. It is always my absolute pleasure to meet with local rugby league organisations like the Kogarah Cougars, who play at Todd Park. The Cougars do an outstanding job at getting more men and women involved in the sport. Kogarah Cougars president, Koda Ghassa, and the entire organisation do an incredible job at promoting inclusion, sportsmanship and a general love of rugby league. I am sure that Norm would be immensely proud of everything that the Cougars club has achieved. In the words of Channel 9's director of sport, Brent Williams, Provan's legacy went beyond the game of rugby league. He stated:

Whilst we pause in sadness at the news of his passing, we are drawn to reflect on his greatness and his wonderful contributions to the game of rugby league.

That sentiment encompasses everything that has made Norm Provan one of the greatest players in both Australian sport and rugby league. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Lynne, daughter Suzanne and sons Noel, Douglas and Nathan. I wish them all the very best during this difficult time. I conclude by again thanking Norm Provan for everything that he has given to our local sporting groups and our community—the game of rugby league and the St George region. I have no doubt that his legacy will shine through the community for many years to come. Rest in peace, Norm Provan.