In 1969 Laurie rose from obscurity to earn the title of Balmain Tigers Number One Fan. Over the following decades his devotion and loyalty saw him transcend the crowds on the hill and Laurie took his place in the locker room as part of the team.

During the Super League wars Laurie fought hard to save the club from amalgamation. They lost and, three days before the newly formed Wests Tigers' first game, Laurie died.

Some say it was from a broken heart.