The NRL has lost one of its most loyal people – legendary ground manager Bob Lanigan, who passed away on Thursday morning.
Whilst his journey started as a player back in the 1960s, his role as an NRL Ground Manager is where he has made his mark over recent years.
Lanigan started as a Ground Manager back in 1999 under the instruction of legendary NRL Ground Manager Eric Cox following an approach and recommendation from Jim Hall – completing more than 650 games as a Ground Manager over 23 seasons, including Grand Finals, State of Origins and Tests.
Lanigan’s career in Rugby League both locally and internationally included:
- Played for Newtown from 1964-69 (Top Point Scorer 1966 with 185 points)
- Played for Griffith Waratahs in 1970 as captain-coach
- Played for Dapto Canaries from 1971-72
- Played for Erina Hawks from 1973-74
- Played for Macquarie Scorpions in 1975
- Coached at Erina Hawks from 1976-79
- Strength and Conditioning Coach for Woy Woy from 1980-81
- Strength and Conditioning Coach at Parramatta, Auckland/New Zealand Warriors, Leeds, St Helens and New Zealand Kiwis National Team
- Football Manager for Melbourne Storm when they had a pathways base on the Central Coast
- NRL Ground Manager (1999-2022)
Lanigan was given the honour of ringing the two-minute bell in the lead-up to kickoff when the new Allianz Stadium was opened in Round 25, 2022, for the match between Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
All NRL Match Officials and Game-Day Staff will wear black armbands at all venues in Round 5 as a mark of respect for Lanigan’s passing.
The NRL extends its condolences to wife Glenda, daughter Dearne, grand-daughters Killarney and Tyla-Belle and son-in-law Gavin.