A Quick Observation From a Legend

Our second Cumberland Throw interview is with the Bear, Bob O'Reilly. (This will feature on our site in early January). Because we were about to launch our website on Christmas Eve, I called in to see him on the 23rd to thank him for his time with the interview and to let him know that we were about to launch.As usual, Bob and his wife very hospitable and invited me in. I'm never one to pass up the opportunity to listen to a legend, so we ended up chatting for about an hour.When we were talking about the upcoming year, I mentioned about the fitness work and how Brad Arthur was doing much of the work with the players. Bob immediately responded about how impressive that was and then related it to the arrival of Norm Provan as a coach in 1975.As many of you would be aware, 1975 was the year that really launched the changes at Parramatta and ultimately signalled many years of finals appearances.Bob related how Sticks Provan would do most of the fitness work with them and it made a huge impression on the players. Provan had been out of the game as a player for around 10 years by this stage yet could do everything that they could.It made them realise firstly how fit he must have been as a player and how fitness was probably the key to the Dragon's run of success. It made them realise that they needed to be fitter if the coach could do it. It also was just damn impressive to them.I had written a piece on The Cumberland Throw about setting standards, and that it started with BA leading the way in fitness. The anecdote from the Bear has only reinforced in my mind how important setting such standards will prove to be.

Replies

the Eggman December 26, 2015 at 4:18pm

I met him once as a 20 year old on a building site, he would have been late 40s I guess driving the brick pallet truck,still strong as a bear throwing hardwood pallets, which we could barely lift,from the ground up onto the truck . I was completely in awe of the bloke.
Yobz December 26, 2015 at 5:28pm

I just finished watching a documentary on the Battle of Thermopylae. What stood out in this one was that they mentioned the age of King Leonidas.
Leonidas was 60 years old and lead his troops into battle. Even getting to 60 in those days, was impressive, let alone being fit enough to fight.

If this post was any longer you would think Poppa may have written it.
Parramatta Tragic December 26, 2015 at 6:12pm

SB I would have kept The Bear and his wife in any alcohol and food of their choice if I had the opportunity to sit down and talk about 1975 with him. I probably would have given him my highlights DVD which took me 40 years to get. If ever you read these things Bob, thanks so much for the great memories and for that great one on one fight with John Donnelly in front of the old Cumberland Grandstand. Outstanding stuff Bob!
- Monster Eel #38 > Parramatta Tragic December 26, 2015 at 6:36pm
  
  Used to see Dallas Donnelly running up Tallow Beach in Byron back in 83, the year he died of a heart attack. He was fit then, even for a smoker he was f-=king fit. Sad day that was to see the great Dallas Donnelly passing away.
- sixtiesboy > Parramatta Tragic December 26, 2015 at 6:52pm
  
  It's been an absolute pleasure to spend time with these blokes. Pinching myself to be honest.
- Clive > Parramatta Tragic December 26, 2015 at 10:23pm
  
  Who won the fight mate?
El patrón MDV December 26, 2015 at 6:15pm

looking forward to it Sixties, that man could pass under extreme pressure with two or three players hanging off him.

An absolute legend, seen him play at Cumberland and the SCG, the glory days
- Parramatta Tragic > El patrón MDV December 26, 2015 at 6:31pm
  
  Here is some footage from 1975 of The Bear scoring tries and passing under pressure just as you mention Ecniv: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmu5Y1w-yEo&feature=youtu.be
- Mo > El patrón MDV December 26, 2015 at 7:18pm
  
  I wonder if you'd get penalized for a Cumberland throw nowadays, it's a great solid hit. It wouldn't surprise me if it was penalized however.
Kerry George December 26, 2015 at 6:19pm

The cumberland throw was 1st used at Parramatta by Englishman Ivor Lingard who was a 5/8 in the 60s-70s era and it was by using the leg and grabbing the arm at the same time throwing the opponent to the ground. It was first used in England and I think another Englishman Fred Pickup also used it when he played for Parra