Visiting Bobby Banks – former Australian and Queensland representative

Newcastle Hunter Men of League Foundation wellbeing officers David Turrell, Vince Murphy and Garry Drummond visited Bobby Banks in the Mater Hospital after he was admitted with broken ribs following a fall at his son’s home. Bob was recovering well and was very pleased to see the volunteers.

Bob started his rugby league career as a five-eight or centre in the Newcastle Rugby League competition with Central Charlestown and then played with Easts. Bob then moved to Charters Towers where he first represented North Queensland against France.

He then moved to Toowoomba and was selected to represent Australia at the age of 22. He toured New Zealand with the Australian side, played in the inaugural World Cup competition and toured with the Kangaroos to England and France. In all, he played 15 Tests for Australia and countless games representing and captaining Queensland.

He moved from Queensland back to Newcastle to be player/coach for Waratah Mayfield before moving back to Queensland playing for Rockhampton, Cunnamulla, Cairns and Tully before retiring in 1963.

It was a pleasure talking with Bobby, a real gentleman who certainly has some stories to tell. We wish him a speedy recovery and after his release from hospital he will be residing at the Sugarloaf Gardens aged care facility at Wallsend.