Rugby league legend Geoff Robinson has passed away at the age of 66, succumbing to a heart attack after a long battle with throat cancer on 3 July 2024.
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Robinson, known as “the wild man” for his fierce play and shoulder-length black hair, played 139 first-grade games for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs from 1977 to 1984, and made a return to the team in 1986.
He had a stellar career, participating in three grand finals and winning two premierships with the Bulldogs.
Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2021, Robinson’s weight dropped dramatically from 92kg to 64kg as he battled the disease.
Despite his resilience, the struggle took its toll. “I have always thought of myself as a pretty strong person but this has gotten me a couple of times. I’ll be honest – it has brought me to tears,” Robinson shared with the Daily Telegraph. “It hurts so much when my grandkids come in and go: ‘Are you okay, Poppy?’”
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Tributes have poured in for Robinson, with many sharing condolences and memories.
Bulldogs sponsor Arthur Laundy called him “the most decent and loyal guy and he was my friend,” while former teammate Paul Langmack said, “He taught me so much.” Friend Melissa Tallon remembered him as “kind and generous” to his fans, and many others recalled his tenacity on the field.
Robinson also had a successful stint with the Halifax Panthers in the UK, playing 30 games and winning a championship during the 1985/86 season.
He rejoined Canterbury in round 12 of the 1986 NSWRL season and played in the losing grand final against Parramatta.
Robinson is survived by his wife Janine, whom he married at 18, their seven children—Layla, Hayden, Travis, Jayde, Nadine, Simone, and Joel—and their grandchildren.
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