Robert Bartlett (rugby league)

Robert "Bob" Bartlett (c. 1927 – 19 February 2010) was an Australian professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1940s and 1950s, and Lawn Bowls player. He played representative level rugby league (RL) for British Empire XIII, Other Nationalities and New South Wales Country Firsts, and at club level for Bramley, Leeds and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, as a wing, or centre, i.e. number 2 or 5, or, 3 or 4,[2] and representative level Lawn Bowls for New South Wales, and at club level for Wiseman Park Wollongong City Bowling Club, winning numerous titles and events, including Australian titles.

Robert Bartlett

Personal information
Born	c. 1927 Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia
Died	19 February 2010 (aged 83) Wollongong, Australia
Playing information
Position	Wing, Centre
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P Lithgow R.L.F.C. ≤1948–49 Bramley 1949–≤53 Leeds 89 33 99 1958 Manly Warringah Total 89 33 0 0 99 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P NSW Country Firsts Other Nationalities 7 ≥1 British Empire XIII
Source: [1]

Background

Bartlett was born in Lithgow, New South Wales, and he died aged 83 in Wollongong, New South Wales.[2]

Playing career

International honours

Bartlett represented British Empire XIII (RL) while at Leeds in the 10-23 defeat by France at Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux on Thursday 26 May 1949, and won caps for Other Nationalities (RL) while at Leeds in the 7-13 defeat by England at Derwent Park, Workington on Monday 19 September 1949, the 3-8 defeat by France at Stade Vélodrome, Marseille on Sunday 15 January 1950, and the 3-16 defeat by France at Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux on Sunday 10 December 1950.[1]

State honours

Bartlett represented NSW Country Firsts (RL) in the 28-27 victory over New South Wales Town Firsts at Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday 16 May 1953.[1]

County League appearances

Bartlett played in Leeds' victory in the Yorkshire County League during the 1950–51 season.

Club career

Bartlett was transferred with Dennis Murphy from Bramley to Leeds in exchange for Joseph "Joe" Hulme and Dennis Warrior, he made his début for Leeds against York at Clarence Street, York on Saturday 29 January 1949.[3]

Australian Sports Medal

Bartlett's sporting achievements were rewarded with an Australian Sports Medal in 2000.

Funeral

Bartlett's funeral took place at St Francis Xavier's Cathedral, Wollongong on Tuesday 23 February 2010, and was attended by family, friends, and dignitaries including former Lord Mayor of the City of Wollongong Alex Darling, former rugby league footballers Keith Barnes, Allan Fitzgibbon and Gus Miller, and rugby league administrators Bob Millward (father of Ian Millward), and Peter Newell (Illawarra Steelers chairman).

References

1. "Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org". rugbyleagueproject.org. 31 December 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
2. Hoctor, Michelle (23 February 2010). "Farewell to Wollongong sports hero Bob Bartlett". Illawara Mercury. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
3. Dalby, Ken (1955). The Headingley Story - 1890-1955 - Volume One - Rugby. The Leeds Cricket, Football & Athletic Co. Ltd ASIN: B0018JNGVM

External links

• Photograph "A new ground record - The 1950 Challenge Cup Semi-final between Warrington and Leeds set a new attendance record for Odsal of 69,898. Warrington defeated Leeds in the game by 16 points to 4. - Date: 01/01/1950" at rlhp.co.uk