20 Facts About Herb Narvo

Hermann Olaf Frances "Herb" Narvo was an Australian rugby league footballer and boxer of the 1930s and 1940s.

Herb Narvo was a national representative rugby league player and national heavyweight boxing champion.

Herb Narvo has been named among the nation's finest footballers and sportsman of the 20th century.

Herb Narvo is listed on the Australian Players Register as Kangaroo No 218.

Herb Narvo played for Norths Newcastle in 1938 and made state representative appearances for New South Wales from 1938 to 1941 but his national Test career was limited due to the war.

Whilst in the RAAF Herb Narvo helped the Newtown club win the 1943 New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership but along with Len Smith missed the final the following year due to his war service.

Herb Narvo captain-coached Maher Cup side Cootamundra in 1947, winning the Group 9 Premiership.

Herb Narvo moved to Camden's team in 1948 before finishing his career in 1949 with Newtown.

Herb Narvo was a boxer of note, winning the Australian Heavyweight Championship in 1945.

In only his 13th professional fight Herb Narvo defeated Billy "Wocko" Britt in just 23 seconds to claim the Australian title.

Herb Narvo lost his boxing title to Jack Johnson in 1946 and captained St George in a club match the very next day.

Herb Narvo was in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II.

Herb Narvo was stationed at Richmond, New South Wales, and served as a physical training, boxing and paratroop instructor.

Herb Narvo was hospitalized in 1958 at Royal Newcastle Hospital for several months during which he underwent several operations due to cancer.

Herb Narvo died at his home on 28 July 1958,22 days short of his 46th birthday.

Herb Narvo was buried at Sandgate Cemetery near Newcastle, New South Wales.

Herb Narvo's son, Frank Narvo, was a first grade footballer for the St George Dragons and Newtown Jets.

In February 2008, Herb Narvo was named in the list of Australia's 100 Greatest Players which was commissioned by the NRL and ARL to celebrate the code's centenary year in Australia.

Also in 2008, the centenary year of rugby league in Australia, Herb Narvo was named in the Newtown Jets 18-man team of the century.

Herb Narvo is recognized the Newcastle Team of the Century in 2008.