The iconic image of Terry Hill and Gorden Tallis
Image: YouTube
One of the casualties of corporate sport is the lack of ‘characters’ in the game these days. It’s not that many years ago that we enjoyed the personalities of blokes like Alfie, Big Dell, Billy Moore, Cliffy Lyons and so on. And there with the best of them was Terry Hill who has passed away at the all too young age of 52 after suffering a massive heart attack.
In a career spanning 14 years, Hill played 246 NSWRL/NRL games, 14 State of Origin games, 9 Tests and was a member of the 1996 Manly-Warringah premiership side. In club football he represented Souths, Easts, Wests, Manly and the Wests Tigers. To view a full record of Terry Hill’s playing career click HERE.
Hill was built like a back-rower but possessed both speed and evasive skills that made him a powerhouse attacking centre. In defence he hit like the proverbial brick wall. But his ferociously competitive nature, his energy, physicality and determination to win are what will be remembered. The bigger the match, the greater these qualities shone through. Perhaps it is all best encapsulated in his encounter with Gorden Tallis in a 1999 State of Origin match – a case of two ultimate competitors clashing head to head. It’s one of the iconic images of both the code in general and that rivalry in particular.
As multiple tributes have revealed, Terry Hill had another side to him off the field where he is painted as friendly, warm, gregarious and generous. His post-playing media and advertising career revealed more of his larrikinism and self-deprecatory nature. The outrageous Lowes ads with Paul Sironen, Bill Harrigan and others linger in the mind.
I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t a fan of Terry Hill. But that was only because he played for ‘the wrong teams’. If he’d turned out for the Broncos or the Maroons he would have been very high up in my estimation. Instead, it’s with respect and admiration that I remember his passion, abilities and never-give-up attitude. Well played, Terry!
Valé Terry Hill. RIP.
To read Jack Snape’s tribute to Terry Hill in The Guardian click HERE.
To read a tribute from Fox Sports click HERE.
To read Michael Doyle’s tribute on the ABC click HERE.
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About Ian Hauser
A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.
RIP Terry Hill – South Sydney player number 781.
“He was a typical kid from Erskineville,” former Souths teammate Craig Coleman said.
“Terry was a fantastic South Sydney junior and we looked after him when he came into grade.
“He was a tremendous footballer. I know his whole family. It’s very sad, devastating.
“He was loved by everyone.”
From the South Sydney Almanac:
Terry “Tezza” Hill – South Sydney Player Report
Centre
FG Player – 781
Hill is a member of the 1989 U21 South Sydney Premiership winning squad.
Hill is a South Sydney junior from Zetland. He played Junior reps with South Sydney between 1986 and 1989. He captained the 1989 U17 South Sydney SG Ball team to the semi-finals. In 1987 he was selected in the Australian U15’s Merit squad. He was called up to make his South Sydney senior grade debut in the 1988 U21s at 16 years of age, bypassing the U19s. Before stepping up the following year in 1989 to play reserve grade. In Round 1 1990 he was called on from the bench to make his South Sydney first grade debut against Canterbury-Bankstown at the Sydney Football Stadium at 18 years of age, scoring a try on debut.
Good work, Ian. I found this an informative read of a bloke I remember watching on TV. Sadly departed way too soon.