Norm Campbell (rugby league)

Norm Campbell was a rugby league player who represented New Zealand in one test match against England in 1932 at fullback.

William had applied for a separation order from Agnes in March of the same year on the grounds of desertion whilst living in Mount Roskill.

Norman appears to have spent his teenage years in Ōtāhuhu as in January 1927 he was mentioned as having won the 75 yard swim race at the Otahuhu Football Club's annual aquatic carnival.

[5] In 1926 and 1927 Campbell was playing in the Otahuhu junior grades but he was first listed at fullback in their senior side for a July 2 match against Marist.

[7] After their round 2 match against Point Chevalier it was said “Campbell, full-back for Otahuhu, gave a sterling display and he stood out as the best back on the ground.

[12] Following a match against City Rovers on July 20 the New Zealand Herald reported that “Campbell, at fullback, gave a brilliant display.

He fielded surely and placed his kicks with good judgment…[his] display equalled the best seen at headquarters [Carlaw Park] this season”.

[22] On June 4 he played for a Possibles side against Probables which was a trial to help select the New Zealand team to tour Australia.

He was part of their side which sealed the first grade title in the last round when they beat Devonport United who they had been tied with going into the match.

[26] The New Zealand Herald gave a more confusing comment saying that as “custodian [he] is perhaps the best fullback seen out this season, his displays being more consistent than those of Simons and Watene, who are more impressive when in form.

Campbell has scarcely shown form worthy of representative standards and a choice from other backs for the position would not have surprised”.

[33] He had been injured in a game against Richmond Rovers on June 11 when he received a kick to the hip and was forced from the field.

[35] It was said that Campbell “played a good game at fullback…, but he has been passed over for Laing” for selection in the North Island side.

[37] Campbell was then chosen in the Auckland training squad to prepare for their match with the touring England side.

[40] A week later he turned out for Marist in a match against Newton Rangers and then was picked for New Zealand for the third test against England.

Watene was being moved onto the wing and Ben Davidson being omitted which opened up the full back position.

With the score 8–5 in favour of New Zealand Barney Hudson was put in the clear before passing to Artie Atkinson but “Campbell stopped him and temporarily left the field.

The ball rolled forward, but play was allowed to proceed, with the result that [Alec] Fildes was on the scene to dribble over and score a doubtful try”.

[43] Campbell finished the season playing in the Marist side in a Roope Rooster semi-final win over Devonport United, before they then defeated City Rovers in the final 28–8.

[45] They then played Devonport in the Stormont Shield final on September 17 and round the season off with another trophy, winning 15–8.

Auckland beat Taranaki 35–8 with Campbell converting just 1 try as he was sharing goal kicking duty with Cliff Satherley.

[65] In their round 2 match the newly promoted side lost to City Rovers 23-18 but Campbell was said to have “played well at fullback and his fielding and excellent kicking often saved Papakura.

There was no record of Campbell playing in 1939 but then early in the 1940 season it was reported that he had rejoined the rugby code and his old Otahuhu side.

In late May the Auckland Star reported that the “New Zealand Rugby Union notified the reinstatement of A. N.

Campbell, who has not played for a few seasons since his break with Marist league team, gave a very impressive display at full-back until he received an injury and had to retire at half-time”.

[70] Then in August he was picked in the back reserves for an ex-player rugby league match between the All Golds and South Auckland.