VALE Bob Sargent

Bob Sargent passed away on the 30 September, aged 81 years. The rugby league community are deeply saddened by his death because he was respected by everyone who knew him and was a thorough gentleman.

Born in Coonabarabran, Bob developed into a hard-running defensive player and was enticed to Sydney to play for the famous Western Suburbs Magpies in 1952 by Ron Watson.

He made his 1st grade debut on the 4 July 1953 at Pratten Park, scoring two tries in a Magpies team that included Frank Stanmore, Col Ratcliffe and Arthur Collinson against a strong Newtown team containing Gordon Clifford, Dicky Poole, Col Geelan and Frank Farrington.

This story from the SMH July 1 1953.

Bob was a young 21 years of age.

This was Bob's first First Grade game for Wests.

Bob also scored two tries in this match.

Bob went onto play three more 1st grade games before he returned to the country to play for Young prior to retiring.

During Bobs time at Wests he played 34 games in all grades.

Bob played at Young from 1954 until 1957.

Two other Ex-Wests players were at Young at the same time, Keith Cullen and Leo Trevena.

Keith Cullen has a football Oval named after him at Young.

(photo courtesy of Barry Henry)

In this time his admiration for the Magpies was formed and remained during his life; he was named Player 501 to wear the Magpies 1st grade jumper and was regular attendee at the Pratten Park Magpies reunions.

Bob was there at the Inaugural re-union on the 19th July 1986.

Photo taken on the day 1986.

Bob was only 54.

L-R,  ???, Bob Sargent, Dev Dines and Bill Keato

Bob at the 2012 Pratten Park Magpie reunion held at the SCG.

Bob same day walking on to the Sydney Football Stadium.

Upon retiring from playing Bob became a respected coach for several highly rated clubs in the strong South Sydney Junior Rugby League competitions during the late ‘50s-‘60s, including Redfern United, Moore Park Juniors and South Sydney Monarchs where he imparted his extensive knowledge and skills to young players including the likes of Bobby McCarthy, Arthur Branigan and Chris Armstrong.

Additionally Bob was a well known and sought after masseur in the horse racing industry where his clients included talented jockeys Wayne Harris and Larry Olsen.

When Bob was through with coaching he turned his attention to becoming a very talented "man in the middle whistle blower" for the NSW Referees Association, where he controlled junior representative and A Grade fixtures in the South Sydney Junior Rugby League area for many years.



Men of League Foundation extends its deepest sympathies to Bob's wife Norma, daughters Leanne and Lorna, and sister June.  

   Unfortunately since this story was written Bob's wife Norma has passed away.
       
By Ken Vessey

Thanks to Ken Vessey and the Men Of League Foundation for letting me use this wonderful story.

Poem taken from Bobs order of service.