A performance worthy of the best side in rugby league

[Les Tricolores]

Now I’m confused.

Lol surely you remember Jack’s coat? it was rather iconic

[Les Tricolores]

Honestly Les Miserable. Like you would have the faintest idea as to how he is "considered" in league circles. Which of these "league circles" that you speak of, are you a part of? Do tell.

Your manic hatred of Robbo has reached the point, although perhaps it has been there for some time, where you will simply just say anything. Anything at all.

Oh mate I thought we were done? didn’t you say conversing with me is bad for your health? I don’t want to be the one responsible for your capitulation in life

[King Salvo]

Now I’m confused.

MR I posted this a few years back

Someone some day will find Big Jack Gibson's Kangaroo fur coat - interesting story on what happened to it - Didn't know Big Jack Gibson gave it to Harvey Howard

It’s almost the most iconic piece of clothing in NRL history - Jack Gibson’s kangaroo fur coat. And while many thought it lost on a trip to the USA, the true story of the coat’s journey has been revealed by a bloke who inseminates bees for a living.

Harvey Howard remembers clearly the afternoon he strutted around home in Jack Gibson’s fur coat.

“Looking every inch,” he laughs, “like a pimp”.

Which paints some picture, right?

Big Harvey, weighing 110kg.

On his finger too, an NRL premiership ring.

With the hulking English prop, only days after starring in Brisbane’s 2000 grand final win, now boxing up his Cronulla waterfront home for a shift back to Super League powerhouse Wigan.

“And wearing Jack’s coat,” he continues, grinning.

“I remember my partner at the time, she comes into the room saying ‘what the bloody hell have you got on?’.

“You have to remember, we’re talking about a three-quarter, kangaroo skin coat. She couldn’t believe it.

“But I’ve said, ‘listen, you’ve no idea the history of this thing’. No idea how many pictures it’s been in.

“So to then have it stolen a few weeks later — mate, absolute f … ing nightmare.”

It has now been almost 20 years to the day since Howard lost rugby league’s most iconic coat.

Not that many know.

Sure, we all remember the jacket.

With who knows how many images of the late, great SuperCoach showing him in that coat which, made from dead kangaroo, became almost as famous as the man himself.

Like when Big Jack coached Parramatta to the 1983 premiership, his third straight title with the Eels.

A threepeat, coincidentally, now being chased by Roosters coach Trent Robinson.

Which is why, in recent weeks, subtle inquiries have been made by folk wanting to track down that coat so often worn to rugby league’s biggest day.

According to some, Gibson lost said jacket during a United States holiday.

With even his late wife Judy once revealing how she “couldn’t have been happier” learning the coat she so despised was lost somewhere in transit through Los Angeles airport.

That was in the 1980s, she said.

But in truth?

“Jack gave it to me in 2000,” says Howard, the retired Test prop who now lives in Bowral working as specialist – “and you’ll love this,” he says – in the artificial insemination of queen bees.

Yep, after 13 years racking up almost 300 first grade appearances — including with Australian clubs like the Roosters, Broncos and Western Suburbs Magpies — this burly bee keeper now travels the globe helping queens get knocked up.

The latest chapter for a fella who, raised on his family’s English sheep farm, first arrived at Bondi Junction on a loan deal in 1993, where he quickly became close with Gibson, who by then was out of coaching but still working as Roosters manager.

So tight did the pair become, Howard even bought a neighbouring home in Gunnamatta Bay, where for the next seven years he continually returned for playing stints, holidays and countless afternoons fishing with the SuperCoach.

Which brings us back to that jacket.

“After the 2000 Grand Final win, I was heading back to England,” Howard recalls.

“So I called around to see Jack, say my goodbyes. But as I’m leaving he says ‘I’ve got something for you, something to keep you warm in the UK’.

“Then he brought out the coat.

“I said, ‘Oh, Jack, I can’t take that’.

“But he says ‘it’ll keep you warm’.”

So right there in Gibson’s home, Howard got the fur coat signed. With Big Jack scribbling inside the lining: To my good mate Harvey, best wishes, Jack Gibson.

From there, the coat was then taken home — receiving that quick spin around the lounge room — before being locked inside a shipping container which, on the docks at Botany Bay, contained all the furniture, belongings, even a new Mitsubishi Pajero Howard was taking to the UK.

“But just to be sure,” he says, “I actually locked the coat inside the Pajero. Thought it couldn’t be safer.”

But guess what?

“A few weeks after arriving back in England, I get this phone call (from police) saying the Pajero had been stolen,” he says. “I couldn’t believe it.

“I mean, who gets a f … ing car stolen from inside a shipping container? It doesn’t happen.”

Yet it did.

“Inside job apparently,” Howard continues. “Organised by someone at the dock.

“The cops actually found the bloke too, chased him and he crashed my brand new Mitsubishi Pajero.

“Inside the vehicle, I’d also locked memorabilia and some of my partner’s valuables.

“But when the cops phoned, my only question was ‘mate, have you found a jacket?’.”

Sadly, nobody had.

Nor in the 20 years since.

“In the (police) report, the guy said he tossed out,” Howard says.

“Still, you just never know.”

Which is why occasionally, when browsing through country Op Shops or antique stores, Howard will cast an eye across the clothing racks for an old fur coat.

“Because it could be that the jacket is long gone,” he says. “But still, I love to think it’s out there somewhere.

“Jack’s signature unmistakeable on the inside, just waiting to turn up.”

[mightyrooster]

Lol surely you remember Jack’s coat? it was rather iconic

Of course I remember Jack’s coat. I just don’t understand how it has anything to do with that particular post of mine to you. It seems to have gone completely over my head.

[mightyrooster]

MR I posted this a few years back

Someone some day will find Big Jack Gibson's Kangaroo fur coat - interesting story on what happened to it - Didn't know Big Jack Gibson gave it to Harvey Howard

It’s almost the most iconic piece of clothing in NRL history - Jack Gibson’s kangaroo fur coat. And while many thought it lost on a trip to the USA, the true story of the coat’s journey has been revealed by a bloke who inseminates bees for a living.

Harvey Howard remembers clearly the afternoon he strutted around home in Jack Gibson’s fur coat.

“Looking every inch,” he laughs, “like a pimp”.

Which paints some picture, right?

Big Harvey, weighing 110kg.

On his finger too, an NRL premiership ring.

With the hulking English prop, only days after starring in Brisbane’s 2000 grand final win, now boxing up his Cronulla waterfront home for a shift back to Super League powerhouse Wigan.

“And wearing Jack’s coat,” he continues, grinning.

“I remember my partner at the time, she comes into the room saying ‘what the bloody hell have you got on?’.

“You have to remember, we’re talking about a three-quarter, kangaroo skin coat. She couldn’t believe it.

“But I’ve said, ‘listen, you’ve no idea the history of this thing’. No idea how many pictures it’s been in.

“So to then have it stolen a few weeks later — mate, absolute f … ing nightmare.”

It has now been almost 20 years to the day since Howard lost rugby league’s most iconic coat.

Not that many know.

Sure, we all remember the jacket.

With who knows how many images of the late, great SuperCoach showing him in that coat which, made from dead kangaroo, became almost as famous as the man himself.

Like when Big Jack coached Parramatta to the 1983 premiership, his third straight title with the Eels.

A threepeat, coincidentally, now being chased by Roosters coach Trent Robinson.

Which is why, in recent weeks, subtle inquiries have been made by folk wanting to track down that coat so often worn to rugby league’s biggest day.

According to some, Gibson lost said jacket during a United States holiday.

With even his late wife Judy once revealing how she “couldn’t have been happier” learning the coat she so despised was lost somewhere in transit through Los Angeles airport.

That was in the 1980s, she said.

But in truth?

“Jack gave it to me in 2000,” says Howard, the retired Test prop who now lives in Bowral working as specialist – “and you’ll love this,” he says – in the artificial insemination of queen bees.

Yep, after 13 years racking up almost 300 first grade appearances — including with Australian clubs like the Roosters, Broncos and Western Suburbs Magpies — this burly bee keeper now travels the globe helping queens get knocked up.

The latest chapter for a fella who, raised on his family’s English sheep farm, first arrived at Bondi Junction on a loan deal in 1993, where he quickly became close with Gibson, who by then was out of coaching but still working as Roosters manager.

So tight did the pair become, Howard even bought a neighbouring home in Gunnamatta Bay, where for the next seven years he continually returned for playing stints, holidays and countless afternoons fishing with the SuperCoach.

Which brings us back to that jacket.

“After the 2000 Grand Final win, I was heading back to England,” Howard recalls.

“So I called around to see Jack, say my goodbyes. But as I’m leaving he says ‘I’ve got something for you, something to keep you warm in the UK’.

“Then he brought out the coat.

“I said, ‘Oh, Jack, I can’t take that’.

“But he says ‘it’ll keep you warm’.”

So right there in Gibson’s home, Howard got the fur coat signed. With Big Jack scribbling inside the lining: To my good mate Harvey, best wishes, Jack Gibson.

From there, the coat was then taken home — receiving that quick spin around the lounge room — before being locked inside a shipping container which, on the docks at Botany Bay, contained all the furniture, belongings, even a new Mitsubishi Pajero Howard was taking to the UK.

“But just to be sure,” he says, “I actually locked the coat inside the Pajero. Thought it couldn’t be safer.”

But guess what?

“A few weeks after arriving back in England, I get this phone call (from police) saying the Pajero had been stolen,” he says. “I couldn’t believe it.

“I mean, who gets a f … ing car stolen from inside a shipping container? It doesn’t happen.”

Yet it did.

“Inside job apparently,” Howard continues. “Organised by someone at the dock.

“The cops actually found the bloke too, chased him and he crashed my brand new Mitsubishi Pajero.

“Inside the vehicle, I’d also locked memorabilia and some of my partner’s valuables.

“But when the cops phoned, my only question was ‘mate, have you found a jacket?’.”

Sadly, nobody had.

Nor in the 20 years since.

“In the (police) report, the guy said he tossed out,” Howard says.

“Still, you just never know.”

Which is why occasionally, when browsing through country Op Shops or antique stores, Howard will cast an eye across the clothing racks for an old fur coat.

“Because it could be that the jacket is long gone,” he says. “But still, I love to think it’s out there somewhere.

“Jack’s signature unmistakeable on the inside, just waiting to turn up.”

Thanks Salvo. Yes I do remember that story and Jack’s famous coat.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Of course I remember Jack’s coat. I just don’t understand how it has anything to do with that particular post of mine to you. It seems to have gone completely over my head.

Oh damn, I think the ruse is up. JFC and Mighty Rooster are the same account. Truth will out

[mightyrooster]

Oh damn, I think the ruse is up. JFC and Mighty Rooster are the same account. Truth will out

Hahaha….I think I get it now. I suppose we did join within 2 months of each other!

Les, a bit of history. There was a former poster called Fred68. I’m not sure if he’s still around under another name. He absolutely hated Brian Smith and would only ever post in Smithy threads or somehow manage to bring up the coach in most other threads. In the early days of my pen membership it felt like I spent 80% of my time debating him about Smithy. So I experience a bit of deja vu when discussing Robbo with you. And no I’m not saying you are the great Fred returned but there are a couple of other posters here who hate Robbo to the point it gets personal, just like you. One is currently banned. So I was just having a bit of fun messing with you. I didn’t accuse you of being a Souffs fan. Surely that would be worse? Also, I really don’t care if posters come back with another moniker anyway and this place would be boring if we all agreed on everything. Souffs trolls are a different story though.

[Dr. Voodoo Man]

Les is praying we lose to the Warriors so he can tell us his nonsense for another week.

[Les Tricolores]

Hahaha….I think I get it now. I suppose we did join within 2 months of each other!

Les, a bit of history. There was a former poster called Fred68. I’m not sure if he’s still around under another name. He absolutely hated Brian Smith and would only ever post in Smithy threads or somehow manage to bring up the coach in most other threads. In the early days of my pen membership it felt like I spent 80% of my time debating him about Smithy. So I experience a bit of deja vu when discussing Robbo with you. And no I’m not saying you are the great Fred returned but there are a couple of other posters here who hate Robbo to the point it gets personal, just like you. One is currently banned. So I was just having a bit of fun messing with you. I didn’t accuse you of being a Souffs fan. Surely that would be worse? Also, I really don’t care if posters come back with another moniker anyway and this place would be boring if we all agreed on everything. Souffs trolls are a different story though.

Ah no worries … it’s all banter to me … but I believe I’ve posted here about a few different things?

I don’t hate Robbo … but I do hold him accountable … it is nothing personal … I just think he has been bang average at best for a long while … if he gets this team to where it should be I might consider him a great coach again

And who’s banned? I must have missed that

[Dr. Voodoo Man]

Ah no worries … it’s all banter to me … but I believe I’ve posted here about a few different things?

I don’t hate Robbo … but I do hold him accountable … it is nothing personal … I just think he has been bang average at best for a long while … if he gets this team to where it should be I might consider him a great coach again

And who’s banned? I must have missed that

Banter? You lost your shit yesterday you fool. I was embarrassed for you.

[mightyrooster]

Ah no worries … it’s all banter to me … but I believe I’ve posted here about a few different things?

I don’t hate Robbo … but I do hold him accountable … it is nothing personal … I just think he has been bang average at best for a long while … if he gets this team to where it should be I might consider him a great coach again

And who’s banned? I must have missed that

Some of the things you said 2 days ago did show hatred actually. Maybe I read it wrong but I'm pretty sure I didn't.

[King Salvo]

Some of the things you said 2 days ago did show hatred actually. Maybe I read it wrong but I'm pretty sure I didn't.

Classic Les: "I don't hate Robbo, but... and it's nothing personal."

Unless Les employs Coach Robinson, I fail to see why he needs to be accountable to Les in any way.

Les is just an average punter like the rest of us on here.

[Les Tricolores]

Some of the things you said 2 days ago did show hatred actually. Maybe I read it wrong but I'm pretty sure I didn't.

Hate is such a strong word … has there been contempt these last few years? absolutely … it is nothing personal

[Les Tricolores]

Classic Les: "I don't hate Robbo, but... and it's nothing personal."

Unless Les employs Coach Robinson, I fail to see why he needs to be accountable to Les in any way.

Les is just an average punter like the rest of us on here.

There is a wonderful place in life they call the middle ground … you should visit it sometime … not everything is red blue and white in the world of rugby league

And you simply flatter yourself … you’re not an average punter … you are a great club man who is the worst judge of football talent I’ve ever seen

I would absolutely love to see your tips here every week … I have no doubt you’d struggle to beat a coin toss … aka Brett Kimmorley

[Les Tricolores]

Hahaha….I think I get it now. I suppose we did join within 2 months of each other!

Les, a bit of history. There was a former poster called Fred68. I’m not sure if he’s still around under another name. He absolutely hated Brian Smith and would only ever post in Smithy threads or somehow manage to bring up the coach in most other threads. In the early days of my pen membership it felt like I spent 80% of my time debating him about Smithy. So I experience a bit of deja vu when discussing Robbo with you. And no I’m not saying you are the great Fred returned but there are a couple of other posters here who hate Robbo to the point it gets personal, just like you. One is currently banned. So I was just having a bit of fun messing with you. I didn’t accuse you of being a Souffs fan. Surely that would be worse? Also, I really don’t care if posters come back with another moniker anyway and this place would be boring if we all agreed on everything. Souffs trolls are a different story though.

Who got banned?