We are sad to report the death of Rugby League stalwart Robert ‘Bob’ Pickles (2 March 1945 – 10 March 2025)
Robert was born in Leeds and brought up in Middleton. He played Junior Rugby League for Middleton, Hunslet schools and Yorkshire.
He signed for Hunslet RLFC aged 16 in 1961 and made his debut in 1965 at Bradford Northern. After a short spell at Keighley he returned to play for New Hunslet where he set a new points record for a single game of 23 (1 try and 10 goals) v Blackpool Borough.
After retiring from professional Rugby he played for Bison sports before going on to Coach Hunslet Junction, Hunslet Trafalgar and Middleton Juniors ARLFC.
In 1988 he went to act as talent scout for Bradford Northern before moving on to Leeds Rhinos in 1990 where he oversaw a Leeds Academy side and signed talent such as Rob Burrow, Adrian Morley and Terry Newton that went on to be the nucleus of a successful Leeds Rhinos team.
After retiring he maintained his interest in Hunslet RLFC and until recently was a regular supporter.
Robert leaves a partner Diane, and two sons Ian and Stephen.
A celebration of Robert’s life will take place at South Leeds Stadium’s Parkside Suite on Thursday 10 April 2-7pm.
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