Forbes farewells a friend: vale 'Chook' Howell

Howell, from Young, passed away aged 68 during April last year following a long battle with illness.

Many of Howell's close mates couldn't get together at the time of his death, however easing COVID restrictions have given opportunity for a more fitting farewell.

Former teammates from Newcastle club Western Suburbs Rosellas met with friends and former teammates from Young and Forbes over the weekend.

Former teammate Jon Hulbert said the Wests players wanted to visit Young to see where Chook was buried.

Howell passed away after almost a decade of fighting Parkinson's disease and dementia.

Rated one of the toughest and most feared players to ever lace on the boots in the Newcastle competition, Howell dished out plenty and had a rap sheet longer than most players. But he was also frequently on the receiving end as well.

"One game against the French, a friend of his told me Chook went to tackle a bloke who turned his hip on him, knocked Chook out. Chook got back up and there he was first up to tackle the next bloke coming through. He said he was out on his feet, he was unbelievable," Hulbert said.

He was signed by Wests in 1977. In 1978 in the absence of injured captain coach Bob Adamson for the decider, Howell captained Wests to a 23-16 grand final triumph over South Newcastle.

He proceeded to lead the Rosellas to three straight premierships. In 2010, he was named at lock in the club's team of the century.

Forbes' Michael Walker, who was one of Howell's pall-bearers when he was laid to rest in Young last year, said he was a friend to many in Forbes both within the rugby league community and beyond it.

He described Chook as "a wonderful friend and a character".

Howell signed up to play rugby league here in 1972 and 1973, but was sidelined some of that time through injury.

"In Forbes, Chook was renowned more as a friend than a footballer - although he was a damn good footballer," Mr Walker said.

"We maintained close contact, and used to visit him in Newcastle."