CAPTAIN HARRY BUREY HANGS UP THE BOOTS

3 days ago

Photo Credit: Clay Cross

Northern Suburbs Captain, Harry Burey has announced that the 2024 season was his last in the red and black. Harry has been a mainstay of the First-Grade side since his arrival, mid 2016.

Since his debut in 2016, Harry has played in four (4) Shute Shield Grand Finals, made his NRC debut, represented the NSW Waratahs Academy and captained Northern Suburbs on 75 occasions since he took on the captaincy in 2020.

In speaking with Harry some of his fondest moments over his nine (9) seasons at Norths are; winning the 2016 Grand Final at North Sydney Oval, playing with his brother (Max), singing Northies Boys in the sheds whilst enjoying a beer after a win and all the ‘niche’ moments along the way.

Since announcing his retirement, Club Head Coach, Zak Beer hasn’t let Harry go anywhere, inserting him into the Second-Grade Coaching set-up where he will join Head Coach Shawn Howell as the backs coach for the 2025 season. You will also see Harry running messages for the First-Grade side on Saturday afternoons.

Harry is a no-nonsense player and is extremely humble about his achievements over the years at Northern Suburbs, so we couldn’t get much out of him in the way of words to sum up his career. So we asked some of those who have shared in the journey to say a few words about him.


Head Coach, Zak Beer
“Skip. Our leader. A proper leader of men. The most niche of niche Shoremen.

Some legacy you’ve built mate and you can pass the baton on with pride. On field, off field, winning results, culture but more importantly the habits, behaviours and rituals you drive and embody that make our Club great.

Donating your body for the Red & Black jersey and the blokes alongside you every single game. It’s been a pleasure to coach you. See you in the Coaches Box at NSO bloke!”

Fly-Half/First Grade Assistant Coach, Angus Sinclair
Congrats on a fantastic career Bizz. Your record speaks for itself - 1 Shute Shield premiership, 4 Grand Finals, 2 minor premierships, top 4 team every year you played. But above all of that you gave everything you had for the red and black jersey every single time you took the field and that’s what you should be most proud of.

It’s hard to think of an another player in the Shute Shield that has played as consistently well as Bizz over the past decade. The true embodiment of club rugby on and off the field and one of the best players to don the 12 jersey in Norths history.

All the best in retirement H it was a pleasure to run around together so many times.

Outside Centre, Nathan Russell
The other half of the least dynamic centre pairing the Shute shield has ever seen. H was the ultimate calming presence to have alongside you on the field, whether pulling the boys together for an on field huddle or leading by example and getting a much needed head high penalty from an exit carry.

While the backline has evolved greatly over the years, H has been a constant presence and been the glue to one of the best backlines in the comp. You’ve left some big shoes to fill in that 12 jersey mate and it’s been an honour to share the field with you over the years.

Northern Suburbs Photographer/Friend, Clay Cross
“Harry was a great player during a golden period in Norths 125 year history.

As 1st grade captain he lead from the front and was always happy to give up his time to help promote our club and its sponsors. Whenever I asked for his help, he always said yes.

Harry was a leader on and off the field and he will be long remembered as an all time great Shoreman.”

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