Robert PHILLIPS Obituary

When Waverley was relegated at the end of 1984, Robbie was part of the dynamic Waverley front row of Ken Millar and Shaun Finegan that rebuilt the Waverley first Grade taking Waverley to the 1985 Barraclough Cup Final and then in 1986 winning the Taki Toa Shield (defeating Matraville the then reigning Kentwell Cup Premiers), selected in the NSW Suburban Rugby Team (along with Ken Millar, Adrian Moss and Mike Negus), winning the 1986 Barraclough Cup Minor Premiership & PREMIERSHIP, 2nd Div Club Championship and promotion back to Kentwell Cup.



A humble, humourous man, many will recall Robbie playing hard, but always one of the first to lead the post-game singing with Manu Sutherland as Waverley entertained players & supporters of both clubs, putting into action the ethos, "humble in victory, magnanimous in defeat" - with Waverley being voted in 1985 and 1986 by the other clubs in its division as "The Most Social Club" and "Best Host Club".



Some may also recall the game in 1986 against Croydon Sth Pacific, where Robbie survived a vicious kick requiring 18 stitches, only to see him return a fortnight later wearing head gear for the remainder of the season so as to help Waverley win the minor premiership and Club Championship, and then defeat Sydney High Old Boys in the major Semi 24-6 and in the Grand Final 13-12. At the end of that season, Robbie was presented with "The Greg Carmody Award" as "The Most Outstanding New Member". Robbie returned to New Zealand in 1987.



On the Club´s 50th Anniversary in 2021, Robbie was selected as a member of "The Waverley Rugby Team of the 1980s".



Robert Michael Phillips

2 Seasons 1st Gde: 1985, 1986

1985 1st Gde (Barraclough Cup, 2nd Div.)

1986 Taki Toa Shield "Winners"

1986 NSWSRU Rep

1986 2nd Div. "Club Champions" (Reliance Club Shield, Club Championship, 2nd Div.)

1986 Barraclough Cup Minor Prems and "PREMIERS" (1st Gde, 2nd Div.)

1986 "Most Outstanding New Member" (Greg Carmody Award)

2021 Selected in "The Waverley Rugby Team of the 1980s"

So sorry to hear of Rob's passing. Condolences to Steph and family from the Manhart family. We have fond memories of BBQs and watching rugger with Rob and the 2 dogs Shep and Bear. We have a sheep dog very similar to Shep. I hadn't seen Rob for some time but was very saddened to hear the news.

So sorry to see this fond memories of a bye gone Era RIP Robbie Karen timperlery johnsonville rugby club.

Rest in peace Robert. You will be missed greatly.

Very sorry to hear of Roberts passing after a brave fight, gone way too soon. Thoughts with you Steph and family.

So sorry to hear this news we are thinking of you all at this time lovely man gone to soon x

My fondest memories of uncle Rob was when I was a little guy. He would take me out with him on his truck runs and I would have a blast. He´d teach me all the swear words in Indian and then some. We also got our first dog Busker from him. How we obtained him is another funny story but needless to say, when I was a young lad, you were without a doubt my favorite uncle. I remember a lot of good times with you uncle. I have no bad memories of you at all. I looked up to you a lot when I was little. I hope you can get the rest you deserve now. Peace be with you.

Gone too soon. It is with a heavy heart we say goodbye to a wonderful, caring and fun loving brother in law. We will hold you close to our hearts and never forget the love, support and kindness you showed towards our mother. Rest in peace Robbie

Rest in peace uncle Robby, I cherish it time we spent together and i will never forget you, you will be missed by so many...
Goodbye uncle from Chelsea, Marcus, Hunter, Kimberly and I...

Another angel has his wings. I will miss you forever. My 2IC, my brother, my friend. Fly high until we meet again.
aroha nui
your loving sister Karen xox

I will miss you very much Brother. You've left way too soon. You were one of "the best" people I know. Love you always, your sister Jo xxx