Terrell Berryman, wearing No13 on his back, shows shades of his late father, Norm. Photo / John Stone
Terrell Berryman, wearing No13 on his back, shows shades of his late father, Norm. Photo / John Stone
Hundreds descended on Hora Hora Rugby Club in tribute to a Northland rugby legend.
The Norm Berryman Memorial Tournament was attended by former teammates, family members, friends and fans.
A veritable who's who of old teammates attended, including former All Blacks Tana Umaga and Ian Jones, Northland players Justin Collins,Glenn Taylor and David Holwell, and Fijian prop Joe Veitayaki.
The day consisted of memorial golden oldies matches, providing a display of tough but light-hearted rugby.
"Stormin' Norman" Berryman died of a heart attack in Australia at just 42 in June last year.
The centre-wing played for many top-level rugby sides, including Northland, the Chiefs, Blues and Crusaders.
Berryman won three Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders, in 1998, 1999 and 2000, and played 75 matches for Northland from 1991 to 2000. He also played for New Zealand Maori.
His only All Blacks test came off the bench in a 24-23 defeat to the Springboks in Durban in 2008, when he replaced Eroni Clarke at centre.
Terrell had his preference for which of his father's former teams he favoured, but said Norm would disagree.
Former All Black Tana Umaga busts through a tackle. Photo / John Stone
"For me, I would say the Crusaders. But dad, you know, he would have definitely said Northland," he said.
Berryman was a father of six, and is survived by his wife Lena and their six children; twin daughters Cairo and Kaya, Terrell, Tatiana, Laytarjae and Shyah.
Former Northland teammate and Fijian international Veitayaki said it was a great tribute to Berryman.
"It was a good day, the body is sore but all for a good cause," he said.
"The dinner was excellent and it was good to see the boys."
