VALE – BOB BATEMAN

1/03/1936 – 8/12/2021
Member #2680

The Men of League Foundation extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Bob Bateman who passed away on December 8.

A Toowoomba native, Bob was Queensland Team co-manager during one of the Maroons’ most dominant periods in State of Origin Rugby League.

Bateman joined legendary official, Dick ‘Tosser’ Turner on the Queensland management staff in 1987, when Wayne Bennett was in his second year as coach. The previous year Queensland had lost all three matches by narrow margins, as New South Wales swept to their first ever clean sweep.

Things started badly again in 1987, with a loss in the first game. But the Maroons rebounded to win the next two games and the series. With Bennett again at the helm in 1988, Bateman and Turner remained as managers and Queensland won all three games for their first clean sweep. The likes of Allan Langer, Trevor Gillmeister and Sam Backo made their Origin debuts during the reign of Bennett, Bateman and Turner.

Bob Bateman was synonymous with rugby league on the Darling Downs, and was a Life Member of Southern Suburbs, Toowoomba; Toowoomba Sports Ground Trust; South West Division and Toowoomba Rugby League. Bateman also served as a QRL director.

A proud member of the Men of League Foundation, Bob died on the Sunshine Coast on December 8, aged 85. Farewell Bob, may he rest in peace.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a Celebration of Robert’s Life to be held at Buderim Crematorium & Memorial Gardens Chapel, 390 Mooloolaba Road, Buderim, QLD on Thursday, 16 December 2021 to commence at 11.00am.