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Significantly contributed to the growth of the NRL in 1995
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Chosen to represent his country during an illustrious career.
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Is noted for his kind-heartedness and caring demeanor
The rugby league community is grieving the loss of founding members from the north.
Queensland
Robert Piva, a Cowboys team member, unexpectedly passed away on March 24 at the age of 58.
Cowboy Number 31, Piva made notable contributions during the team’s first season in the Australian Rugby League (ARL) back in 1995. The club looks back at him with great affection, remembering him as an intimidating forward.
The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys expressed their sorrow over the death of founding team member Robert Piva, as stated in an official announcement.
We offer our sincere sympathies to his relatives.
The
New Zealand
The Rugby League also paid tribute to Piva, acknowledging him as “a tough and resolute forward whose influence extended past his playing days.”
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New Zealand Rugby
The NZRL stated, “The league offers sincere sympathies to Robert’s family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have played with him.” The organization also noted, “His impact on the sport will always be remembered.”
Piva’s daughter, Fetu, expressed heartfelt sentiments in her tribute, emphasizing how deeply her father influenced their family and broader community beyond his involvement with football.
She penned, ‘Rob was renowned for his steadfast dedication, strong communal spirit, and traditional outlook towards life.’
A guardian and pillar for everyone who cherished him, Rob was relied upon during the most challenging moments, providing assistance, insight, and an authentic companionship.
She spoke about her dad’s endless affection for their family and his infectious laughter that ‘lit up every space,’ noting that his impact continues through all those whose lives he brightened.
Paul Anthony, his former teammate, likewise conveyed profound sadness upon hearing the news, penning these words: “Deep respect USO [brother]. It was an honor competing against you and later joining forces. Working alongside you meant a lot too. May peace be with you, USO. Your smile and humorous comments will forever stay in my memories.”
Piva started his professional rugby league journey at St. George club in Wellington in 1985, continuing until 1987. He was born on November 4, 1966.
In 1988, he relocated to Randwick where he maintained impressive play through 1990. He then went on to compete for Porirua City between 1991 and 1993.
Piva represented Wellington 40 times, making significant appearances against international sides such as Australia and Great Britain.
His steady performance earned him a spot on the New Zealand Kiwis’ 1993 trip to Great Britain and France, where he made his Test debut by helping them win against Wales in Swansea.
Nevertheless, a fractured eye socket brought an early end to his international career after he had played one Test match and six more games.
In 1994, Piva became part of the Taranaki Rockets for the first Lion Red Cup, where he played 14 times and scored four tries.
Subsequently that year, he joined Wakefield Trinity in England, appearing in 18 games and notching up three tries.
Following his stint with Wakefield, he joined as one of the original players for the North Queensland Cowboys. He made his debut against the Newcastle Knights and played in nine games during their first ARL season in 1995.
Even though he didn’t play on the pitch, he made it into the Western Samoa team for the 1995 Rugby League World Cup. He also represented Samoa at the Super League World Nines event in Fiji in 1996.
His love for the sport persisted throughout his latter career, as Piva played for the Porirua Pumas in New Zealand’s Bartercard Cup during 2001.
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