Quick Facts
Biography
Robert "Bob" Thomas Roberts (18 February 1912 – September 1979) was an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1930s and 1940s. He played at representative level for England, and at club level for Widnes (Heritage №) and St. Helens (Heritage № 663), as a centre, prop, hooker, second-row or loose forward during the era of contested scrums.
Background
Bob Roberts' birth was registered inPrescot district, Lancashire, England, he was living in Gartons Lane, St. Helens and working as a clerk at a weighbridge c. 1939, and he died aged 67 in St. Helens, Merseyside, England.
Playing career
International honours
Roberts won caps for England while at Widnes in 1939 against Wales, and in 1940 against Wales.
Championship Final appearances
Roberts played in Widnes' 2-21 defeat by Hull F.C. in the Championship Final during the 1935–36 season.
Challenge Cup Final appearances
Roberts played in Widnes' 18-5 victory over Keighley in the 1936–37 Challenge Cup Final during the 1936–37 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 8 May 1937.
County Cup Final appearances
Roberts played loose forward in Widnes' 4-5 defeat by Swinton in the 1939–40 Lancashire County Cup Final first-leg during the 1939–40 season at Naughton Park, Widnes on Saturday 20 April 1940, and played right-second-row, i.e. number 12, in the 11-16 defeat (15-21 aggregate defeat) by Swinton in the 1939–40 Lancashire County Cup Final second-leg during the 1939–40 season at Station Road, Swinton on Saturday 27 April 1940, and played left-second-row, i.e. number 11, in Widnes' 7-3 victory over Wigan in the 1945–46 Lancashire County Cup Final during the 1945–46 season at Wilderspool Stadium, Warrington on Saturday 27 October 1945.
Club career
Roberts made his début for Widnes as a centre against Barrow at Craven Park, Barrow-in-Furness on Monday 17 April 1933, and he played his last match for Widnes against Bradford Northern at Odsal Stadium, Bradford on Saturday 27 September 1947, he left Widnes for St. Helens for £800/£1000 (based on increases in average earnings, this would be approximately £71,110/£88,887 in 2013), and he made his début for St. Helens in the 24-3 victory over Swinton at Knowsley Road, St. Helens on Saturday 4 October 1947, and he played his last match for St. Helens in the 10-12 defeat by Keighley at Lawkholme Lane, Keighley on Saturday 23 October 1948.