Robert “Bob” Palmer might be gone, but he’s not forgotten.
And, it will probably stay that way when you have people like Les and Jack Smith in the Shortland Devils Rugby League Football Club’s ranks.
The father-son combination took the field for the first time, against Newcastle University, in the Newcastle Hunter RL B grade men’s competition at the weekend.
It was a momentous occasion for the family, with 46-year-old Les lining up at five-eighth and his offspring Jack, 19, starring from fullback.
But, it’s the memory of Palmer spurring the duo to greater heights in 2021.
On 12 December 2020, the local legend was tragically killed out the front of a service station while walking a dog in his beloved suburb of Shortland.
The senseless murder resulted in an outpouring of grief throughout the community.
Last month, City of Newcastle renamed Tuxford Park No 1, to Bob Palmer Oval, in his honour.
“It was a sad time,” Les admitted.
“Bobby was my first coach.
“So, we thought we’d come together and have a game [for Bobby].
“It all started from there.
“It had been three years since I last played, so I was very sore on Sunday.
“However, it was worth it – and good fun.”
Jack echoed his dad’s sentiments.
“I played with Wests (Rosellas) in the 19s last season,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“But, after what happened to Bobby, we all decided – my dad, my uncle Todd Harvey and my cousin Connor Park – to have a year together at the Devils.
“Injuries, we had about eight guys out in round 13, finally presented us with the opportunity to actually play alongside each other.
“So, we grabbed it with both hands.
“It was amazing to play with dad; a real honour.
“For me, it was the highlight of what I’ve done [in league],” Les added.
And, that’s saying something.
Smith senior is a Newcastle rugby league legend while Jack’s great grandfather, Neville “Ned” Andrews, was the 277th Kangaroo after taking the field for South Newcastle, NSW and Queensland, culminating in one Test for Australia against Great Britain in 1950.
“This [Shortland] is my junior club,” he said.
“I spent a few years here, went down to Sydney with Wests, then a couple of clubs around the Newcastle competition, before returning to the Devils six or seven seasons ago.
“To be honest, I love being a part of this organisation.”
With the deadly duo calling the shots, Shortland drew 14-all with Newcastle University to remain in second spot on the ladder.
“Uni is a good side, we’re happy with that result,” Les said.
“We have Windale next (on Saturday 31 July at Mick Bird Oval).
“Jack and I know a couple of [touch footy] boys there, so it will be interesting.
“However, it’s shaping up to be a big year for the club.
“It would be nice to win the premiership for Bobby.
“But, it won’t be easy.
“Dudley’s good, as is Swansea and Uni – there are a few good teams.
“We’re going okay though; just floating along.
“I think Bobby’s legacy is driving everyone here to do well.
“We often talk about it.
“He was the Shortland Devils.
“When his ride-ons were stolen, he still hand-mowed the fields himself, marked them, sold the raffle tickets and meat trays, and cooked the barbecue.
“He was the ultimate clubman.”
The big question is: can Les go around one more time?
“It depends if he’s still holding up well,” Jack answered with a smile.
“Ability-wise, dad could absolutely still handle it.
“As for me, I’m undecided at the moment.
“However, if things fall into place, I’d like to stay here again.
“If the season ends well, everything’s going good and I feel like playing with the family again, I’ll definitely have another year with the Devils.
“It’s been great having the four of us playing,” Les added.
“I haven’t had a game with Todd and Connor yet – but I’m sure it will come.”
On a side note, both Smiths are handy touch players, too, along with wife and mother Renee.
Jack is an Australian junior representative, Les returned from Coffs Harbour after winning the State of Origin with the NSW seniors in June, and Renee had the honour of donning the “green and gold” for her nation multiple times as well.
Newcastle Hunter Rugby League
Round 13 results:
Dudley defeated Aberglasslyn 40-20
Windale defeated Glendale 32-16
Shortland drew with Newcastle University 14-all
Budgewoi v Swansea – no result
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