Roger Pearman

Roger Pearman (birth registered July→September 1939 (age 77–78)) birth registered in Wakefield district, is a former rugby union and rugby league footballer of the 1960s, and coach of the 1960s, playing club level rugby union (RU) for Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Sandal RUFC [1], Headingley, Loughborough University, and playing club level rugby league (RL) for Wakefield Trinity (Heritage #679), and Canterbury-Bankstown, as a Loose forward/Lock, i.e. number 13, during the era of contested scrums, and coaching club level rugby league (RL) for Canterbury-Bankstown.

Playing career

Challenge Cup final appearances

Roger Pearman played Loose forward/Lock, i.e. number 13, in Wakefield Trinity’s 25-10 victory over Wigan in the 1963 Challenge Cup final during the 1962–63 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 11 May 1963, in front of a crowd of 84,492.

Australian career

He emigrated to Australia in 1964 and joined Canterbury-Bankstown as a Loose forward/Lock. Roger was selected in first grade upon his arrival and became the 300th player to play first grade for the club. He went on to become a regular member of the team in his initial season.

Coaching career

After an injury interrupted his 1965 season, Roger was appointed first grade coach in 1966. He commenced the 1966 season in first grade but forfeited his position to allow George Taylforth back into the team.

He played in third grade so that he could adequately prepare for the coaching role in first grade. In 1967, Kevin Ryan was appointed captain-coach of first grade.