The NSWRL was saddened to hear of the passing of former Western Suburbs Magpies second-rower and True Blue Bob Cooper.
The towering, former hardman of the game last night lost his battle with cancer, aged 67.
Cooper was a former Wests rugby union junior who was graded by the Magpies in 1976. He won a premiership with Wests Under 23s in 1977 before moving to the forwards where he used his 1.96m frame to good effect.
He played 76 games for the Magpies from 1977 to 1982, four for the North Sydney Bears (1984) and also played in the inaugural State of Origin game in 1980 in his only appearance for the NSW Blues.
His career at the Bears was cut short after he dislocated his shoulder which prompted his retirement from the game.
The NSWRL passes on its sincere condolences to Bob Cooper’s family and friends.
