Fans call for tribute to Berryman

Norman Berryman on the charge against Canterbury in an ITM Cup match at the then ITM Stadium. Photo / Tania Webb

Just hours after the shocking news of Northland rugby legend Norm Berryman's death, his fans started calling for the terraces at Toll Stadium in Whangarei to be named after him.

Whangarei salesman Patrick Moon started the Name the Terraces after Berryman Facebook page about 1pm on Tuesday - just hours after news of Berryman's death in Australia aged just 42 broke - and by 3pm yesterday it received close to 4000 likes.

"I was one of the many Northlanders who grew up watching him play and I personally felt we should try our best to immortalise his influence on our community," Mr Moon said.

He said the level of support for the campaign had been phenomenal and the next step for him was to approach high-profile people in Northland and throughout the country to back the campaign.

Berryman's family would also be consulted to give their backing before a proposal was prepared for consideration by the Northland Events' Centre Trust, which owns Toll Stadium.

"I remember seeing a page dedicated for Jerry Collins and how calls are made for one of the aisles at Westpac Stadium to be named after him and I think Norm deserves the same," Mr Moon said.

"Not to take anything away from the likes of [fellow Northland rugby greats] Sid Going and Ian Jones. We're lucky our region was able to produce such great sportspeople," he said.

Northland Rugby Union chief executive Jeremy Parkinson said naming the stand after Berryman would be a great tribute to him. However, he said the union did not own the stadium but rented it for five to six games a year so any decision on naming would have to be made by the Trust.

"In saying that, we've had Joe Morgan who was our most-capped All Black and Peter Jones who was also a great All Black [die]. I understand where they are coming from but it's not our decision," he said.

Trust chairman and Whangarei accountant Warwick Syers said the issue would be considered by his trustees in a future meeting. He paid tribute to Berryman and the contribution he made to Northland and New Zealand rugby.

"His passing away at such a young age with a young family is very sad. Such an effervescent person, full of fun. He'll be sadly missed," said the former NZRU board member.

Mr Syers was the chair of Northland Rugby Union when Berryman played for the Taniwha and later left to play for the Crusaders. Berryman grew up in Onerahi.