Thieves steal prized grand final ring in home robbery
February 12, 2016 4:17pm
Jon GeddesManly Daily
SEA Eagles legend and former coach Geoff Toovey has made an impassioned appeal for the return of his 1996 NRL premiership ring after it was stolen during a break-in at his Narrabeen home on Thursday.
The thief or thieves got away with jewellery, watches, earrings and rings belonging to Toovey, his daughter Georgia and a friend.
Toovey’s pushbike was taken from his garage and used to make a getaway after the robbery, which occurred sometime between 11am and 12.30pm. But the item that was most valuable to Toovey was the ring that he received after leading the Sea Eagles to their 20-8 grand final win over St George.
He also received the Clive Churchill Medal as man of the match in that game, which was played in front of 40,985 fans at the Sydney Football Stadium.
1996 Optus Cup RL premiership ring.
While police said the ring had enormous sentimental value for Toovey, it has no monetary value because it cannot be sold.
“It’s not worth anything to anyone else, what are they going to do with it?” Toovey asked. “That is thing I really want back.”
The ring is gold, featuring the words Optus Cup 1996 with the famous image of the gladiators Norm Provan and Arthur Summons in the middle.
Police say anyone with the ring can place it in an envelope and post it to Dee Why or Manly police station with no stamp required.
The robbery was another setback for Toovey, who was replaced as Sea Eagles first grade coach by Trent Barrett as part of the club’s revamp for the 2016 season.