NewsBite

Bulldog’s Bite: Larry Corowa elated as fan hands back the Balmain Tigers jumper he wore in 1983

‘The Flash’ Larry Corowa handed his jumper to an official 40 years ago and hadn’t seen it since – until now.

League great Larry Corowa got his jersey back after 40 years.
League great Larry Corowa got his jersey back after 40 years.

After 40 years, Balmain icon Larry Corowa has been reunited with his final Tigers playing jersey.

Keen Tigers fan Brent Edwards owned the jumper after Corowa gave it to an ARL official following his final match for Balmain against Norths at Leichhardt Oval back in 1983.

It has the old SHARP sponsorship splashed across the front. Edwards contacted Corowa last week and handed back the prized jersey.

League great Larry Corowa was reunited with his 1983 jersey.
League great Larry Corowa was reunited with his 1983 jersey.

“It was a surprise to get it back. It will go to one of my six grandkids or they can share it for two months each, every year,” Corowa said. “It’s a bit of history for the family.

“Brent is a champion bloke and it was great to personally receive it from him. He is living on the Gold Coast and reached out to me. We caught up for a coffee and I got the jumper back. I was a little bit smaller back then.

“I can’t remember doing it but apparently I gave away the jumper. I actually gave away all my Tiger jerseys so it’s very special that I get to keep this one.”

After four decades, the famous Tigers emblem is missing from the jumper. Corowa sent a message to all Balmain fans: “I need a Balmain emblem from back then – anyone know where I can get one?”

Corowa, MBE, scored 64 tries in his 96 games for Balmain and also represented NSW and Australia.

Two famous pieces of rugby league memorabilia still missing are Jack Gibson’s brown fur coat worn for the 1983 grand final and Graeme Langlands’ infamous white boosts in the 1975 grand final. Any tips?

Ken Irvine has come into Immortal consideration.
Ken Irvine has come into Immortal consideration.

HIGHLIGHT

The enormous debate created by this masthead around who should become the next Immortal. Bears CEO Gareth Holmes said: “Ken Irvine deserves serious consideration. His achievements and try scoring feats should be recognised and celebrated as part of the game’s rich history.”

LOWLIGHT

Former All Blacks and Irish coach Joe Schmidt has been touted as Eddie Jones’ replacement. Surely Rugby Australia must give the job to an Aussie in a bid to internally reunite a fractured and damaged code.

SPOTTED

Manly star Tom Trbojevic leaving Allianz Stadium wearing a Sydney FC scarf after last weekend’s derby against the Wanderers. Sea Eagles teammate Daly Cherry-Evans scurrying out of Sydney’s International Airport terminal for the car park.

SPOTTED

Former Roosters and Catalans prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho shopping at Warringah Mall. Former Roosters teammate Angus Crichton enjoying a swim at Bronte Beach.

A Dragons reunion at Bondi Icebergs.
A Dragons reunion at Bondi Icebergs.

SPOTTED

Dragons players from the club’s 1992 and ’93 grand finals side – including Scott Gourley, Ian ‘Chook’ Herron, Tony Priddle, Nick Zisti, Mark Coyne, Matt Elliott, David Barnhill, along with CEO Geoff Carr – enjoying a reunion at iconic Bondi icebergs and the hospitality of legendary club general manager, Bob Tate.

SPOTTED

Former catwalk model turned boxer Kate McLaren sparring ahead of her fight against Enja Ryan for the WBC welterweight Australasian title at Dubbo RSL on December 16. McLaren, Australia’s number one ranked welterweight, is unbeaten in her six fights.

SPOTTED

Journo Arthur Stanley leaving Accor Stadium as general manager of media and communications for the final time. And true professional and great mate, he will be missed by all in the Sydney media. Go well, Artie.

SPOTTED

Former players Larry Corowa, Steve Martin, Neil Pringle, John Purcell, Peter and Mick Ryan, Geoff Foster, Peter O’Neill, Malcolm Clift and Greg Bandiera throwing legend Graham Eadie a surprise 70th birthday lunch at Chinderah Hotel.

SPOTTED

Former chief steward Ray Murrihy on an early morning stroll at Coogee Beach.

SHOOSH

Which big name Aussie coach is being courted by a major American MLS franchise?

SHOOSH

Which two star players are at loggerheads at a 2023 NRL finals side. One of the players could be marched out of the club if the bickering continues.

Originally published as Bulldog’s Bite: Larry Corowa elated as fan hands back the Balmain Tigers jumper he wore in 1983

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/bulldogs-bite-larry-corowa-elated-as-fan-hands-back-the-balmain-tigers-jumper-he-wore-in-1983/news-story/7b33349425b4854ce0674509baa9832d