Billy Bischoff's mind is failing him as the clock ticks down on his life of distinction.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
But sitting on an old wood seat at Dave Taylor Park, the ground where, 40 years earlier, he masterminded one of Werris Creek's most famous victories, the self-confidence that propelled the 81-year-old to considerable success as a player, and then as a coach, was on display.
Bischoff - a five-eighth, centre and halfback who played 151 first-grade games for Balmain between 1957-65 and one game for NSW in 1961 - coached Werris Creek to the 1979 first-division premiership at Dave Taylor Park.
He was at that ground on Saturday for the Magpies' Old Boys Day celebration against Gunnedah, whom they beat to win that title.
Read more:
Bischoff, in particular, was hoisted high on metaphorical shoulders, as apposed to the actual shoulders he sat on following the grand final. He was deeply appreciative of that outpouring of respect on Saturday.
"I just love it," he said. "I just feel like I'm walkin' on cloud nine when all those blokes come up to me, whether I knew them or I didn't know them. But they knew me, and they knew what sort of thing I sell."
What did you sell?
![FLASHBACK: Bischoff is honoured following the 1979 grand final. FLASHBACK: Bischoff is honoured following the 1979 grand final.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/KUhQizDbwW8WqAyPP4x5yp/bfb74ee6-a3ff-415e-a742-27da75c9c01b.jpg/r0_0_487_610_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
"Well, I've gotta say me. I don't like saying that ... [But] if you put people in the right spots, doing the right things, like a carpenter, and you just do it. And if you do it well, they'll love you [because the benefits flow from the players to others]."
Now living on the Gold Coast, Bischoff arrived in Tamworth at the completion of his NSW Rugby League premiership career (now the NRL) - captain-coaching West Tamworth to a host of premierships.
West Tamworth being rebranded South West Robins in 2016 left him feeling "shattered".
He also made two NSW Country appearances, one each in 1967 and 1968 (he was captain-coach in '67). He played one game for NSW City in 1962.
His father, Billy "Bok" Bischoff, was a five-eighth for Balmain between 1937-40 and a member of the Tigers' 1939 premiership-winning side.
Bischoff Jnr went on to coach on the Gold Coast.
He thinks that Old Boys Day marked only the second time he had returned to Werris Creek since 1979.
He said the Creek had hardly changed from when he coached there. "And I don't want it to change."
Bischoff's son, Grant, said his father brought "passion" to the game.