- Scored 59 tries across more than 120 games
Parramatta will honour one of its most beloved and complex figures this Easter Monday, with players set to wear black armbands in tribute to club great Neville Glover following his death aged 70.
The winger, remembered as much for his brilliance as for one of rugby league’s most painful moments, passed away after a short illness, leaving behind a legacy that stretches far beyond a single play.
Glover’s name has long been etched into league folklore for the infamous dropped ball in the 1976 grand final, a moment that denied Parramatta what could have been their first premiership.
With the try line open and history within reach, the ball slipped from his grasp. Manly went on to win, and the image became one of the game’s most replayed heartbreaks.
Yet those closest to him insist that moment never defined the man.
‘He was a lovely bloke and he was Parra through and through, very popular among the group,’ former teammate Peter Wynn said.
Parramatta Eels will wear black armbands to honour club legend Neville Glover during emotional Easter Monday clash
Glover passed away aged 70 after short illness, leaving behind a legacy spanning rugby league, policing, and community service
Former teammate Peter Wynn said Glover was a ‘lovely bloke’ and deeply respected figure within Parramatta’s tight-knit playing group
‘It’s a sad day for the club.’
Behind the cruel twist of sporting fate was a player of genuine class. Glover scored 59 tries across more than 120 games for Parramatta and went on to represent both New South Wales and Australia.
He was part of the club’s rise through the late 1970s, playing in their first grand final side and helping lay the foundation for the premiership winning teams that followed.
In a quirk of fate that only deepened his story, Glover was at the club during their historic titles in 1981 and 1982, but was not selected in either decider.
Still, he remained a central figure at Parramatta, later named in the club’s Team of the Century and honoured with life membership.
Off the field, his impact was just as significant.
Glover served with distinction in the New South Wales Police Force for more than three decades, rising to Senior Sergeant in the Prosecuting Branch and earning multiple honours, including the NSW Police Medal.
He was also widely respected for his charity work, supporting organisations such as Ronald McDonald House, Camp Quality and Make-A-Wish Australia.
His contributions to both rugby league and the community were recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2018.
From a Seven Hills junior with electric pace and a trademark goose step, to a ‘True Blue’ figure of the game, Glover’s life in rugby league spanned every level, player, representative, mentor and community leader.
In a statement, the Parramatta Eels said his passing had been deeply felt across the club and described him as a ‘cherished member of the Blue and Gold family.’
They extended their condolences to his wife Sharyn, along with his family and friends.
