Tributes are flowing after the death Parramatta cult figure Neville ‘Nifty’ Glover.
The 70-year-old, a NSW and Australian winger, lost his life on Thursday after a short health battle.
In a statement, Parramatta said Neville’s death had been “deeply felt” by the club, his former teammates, colleagues, and friends.
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“The Parramatta Eels join the rugby league family in mourning the loss of Neville ‘Nifty’ Glover, who died on April 2,” the club said.
“He will forever remain a cherished member of the Blue and Gold family,” the club said.
Glover was a Seven Hills Toongabbie junior before he joined Parramatta in 1975.
The club said he quickly established himself as a rising star of the game and was named Club Rookie of the Year in an outstanding debut season.
“His electrifying speed and signature goose step on the wing made him a fan favourite,” the club said.
Neville played in the club’s inaugural first grade grand final appearance in 1976 against Manly.
But it was no fairytale for Glover, who fumbled a try-scoring pass in the final minutes with Parramatta trailing by a point, 11-10.
Glover — who was also a Senior Sergeant in the Prosecuting Branch for the New South Wales Police Force — once said that the heartbreaking fumble constantly haunted him.
“Mate, I’m at a prosecutors conference today and the dropped ball thing has already been mentioned twice. I wouldn’t say it gets brought up daily, but certainly once a week it gets a mention.” he remarked 32 years after the fact.
Glover represented Australia in two Test appearances against New Zealand in 1978, and also NSW City and later NSW in 1979 against Great Britain.
Across seven seasons with the Parramatta Eels, he played 121 first grade games and scored 55 tries.
“His contribution to the Parramatta Eels was formally recognised with Life Membership, and in 2002 was named among the inaugural Legends of Parramatta Hall of Fame inductees, as voted by fans,” the club said.
“A dedicated community contributor, Neville supported numerous charitable organisations, including the Men of League Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Camp Quality, Cystic Fibrosis initiatives, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, and Make-A-Wish Australia.
“In recognition of his broader contributions, Neville was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 and the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2018 for service to rugby league and the community.
“The Parramatta Eels and Parramatta Leagues Club offer their heartfelt condolences to his wife Sharyn, along with his family and friends.”
Melissa Glover, Neville’s daughter-in-law, said the family was shattered.
“Forever Eel #340 Thank you Nev, Nifty, Neville the Devil, the man I was lucky enough to call my father in law,” she wrote on social media.
“You were fun, kind and generous. You loved a dance, to sing, and even orchestrate.
“You’ve given us so many great memories to treasure. You loved to share a story or two or three about footy and your journey through the police force to becoming a prosecutor.
“You are a true voice of reason, wise and steady, and so rightly proud of all you achieved, including receiving the Order of Australia Medal.
“You will be missed Nev, always remembered, and forever loved xx.”
Glover’s playing career ended at Penrith in 1983, before he moved into coaching with Wyong and Cessnock.
The Parramatta have confirmed they will honour Glover with a moment of silence and by wearing black armbands during their match against the Wests Tigers on Monday.
Source: https://7news.com.au/sport/rugby-league/parramatta-icon-neville-nifty-glover-dies-after-short-health-battle-aged-70-c-22090448?
