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Robbie O’Davis is a name etched into Newcastle Knights folklore. To the red-and-blue faithful, he’s better known as “Robbie O’Save-Us,” the fearless fullback whose blistering speed, courage under pressure, and game-changing brilliance helped define an era. Across more than 200 appearances for Newcastle, Robbie became one of the club’s most trusted match-winners, the kind of player teammates relied on and opponents feared.
His impact stretched far beyond club footy. Robbie represented Queensland in State of Origin and proudly wore the green and gold for Australia, placing him among rugby league’s elite. His list of achievements tells the story: two NRL Premierships, a Clive Churchill Medal, a Rugby League World Cup winner’s medal, the State of Origin Shield, and the Wally Lewis Medal—previously known as the Ron McAuliffe Medal—for player of the Origin series. Few players reach those heights, and even fewer do so with Robbie’s blend of flair, toughness, and heart.
Recognition followed throughout his career and beyond. He was named in the Newcastle Knights’ “Team of the Era” (1988–2007) and, in 2022, was inducted into the Newcastle National Rugby League Hall of Fame, cementing his place as one of the club’s all-time greats.
But like many athletes whose professional careers end long before the passion fades, life after football brought challenges that required just as much determination as his playing days. Retirement didn’t come with a roadmap, and navigating the transition demanded every bit of the resilience that made him a standout on the field. His story is not only about sporting success—it’s about identity, perseverance, and finding purpose
01:35 - Robbie’s Journey into Rugby League
08:20 - Robbie’O Grand Final Dance
12:00 - Athlete Mentality
16:10 – Robbie’s Broken Nose and Palate Injury
19:05 – Concussion Experience and Dad’s Influence
22:10 – Pressure of Playing for a Town Like Newcastle
26:00 – Repetitive Head Impacts, Concussions and Effects Post Career
32:25 – NRL Study and Independent Results
39:00 – Public Perception and Risk of Sport
46:00 – Thought on Family Playing Rugby
50:40 – Advice Through Lived Experience with Repetitive Head Impacts
58:00 – Favourite Moments/ Memories of Robbie’s Career
Robbie O Instagram: @robbieosaveus1
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32 mins