Norm Robinson

The career of 'Latchem' Robinson as a player, coach and administrator not only moulded the direction of the Balmain club, but his influence permeated the code. Graded as a halfback in 1922, he was selected for NSW after just one first grade match in 1924. After playing in Balmain's final win over Souths that year, he then moved to Cootamundra in 1928 in an effort to force his way into the Australian Test team. Robinson played against England while representing Southern Division but a Test jumper eluded him. Following his return to Balmain in 1929, he played in a 'Possibles v. Probables' trial for the 1929-30 Kangaroos but was not selected. Robinson played with Yanco during 1934-37 before retiring. At Balmain, Robinson was first a selector, then vice president before coaching the club to premierships in 1944 & 1946-47. Robinson had three stints as Balmain coach – 1930 (captain-coach), 1944-47 and 1954-56. A City, State and Australian selector, (the only blot on his career was his role in the sacking of Australian captain-coach Len Smith on the eve of the 1948-49 Kangaroos), he was later named joint manager of the 1952 Kangaroos. Balmain made another grand final appearance under his guidance, in 1956, before Robinson was elected Manager of the Australian side that won the World Cup in 1957 and made a Life Member of the NSWRL. The following year, Robinson was named Australian coach for the unsuccessful Ashes series at home. As Balmain Secretary during the 1960s, the Tigers enjoyed a successful decade under Robinson’s guidance, producing three grand final appearances (1964, 1966 & 1969) and a premiership (1969). In 1970, he replaced Harry Hannaford as Balmain club president and held that position until the year before his death in 1980, aged 80. The first Life Member of the ARL, the 'Latchem' Robinson Stand at Leichhardt Oval stands testimony to his achievements.