Rugby league mourns the loss of one of its most beloved and enduring figures with the passing of Bob Lanigan, a long-serving NRL match manager and the original strength and conditioning coach for the Auckland Warriors. Known affectionately as ‘Bobby’ or ‘Lano’, Lanigan, who passed away at the age of 81, holds a special place in Warriors’ history, having worked closely with the team since its inception in 1995 under head coach John Monie.
Lanigan, cherished by both staff and players during the club’s early years, was remembered fondly by figures such as Stacey Jones and Frank Endacott. His tenure with the Warriors spanned from 1995 to 1999, following Monie from his days at Parramatta to Auckland. He formed strong bonds with Endacott, eventually serving as the Kiwi trainer alongside him.
Beyond his time with the Warriors, Lanigan left a lasting impact on rugby league as an NRL ground manager, overseeing more than 650 games across Australia and New Zealand, including major events like grand finals and State of Origin matches. His warm presence at venues like Go Media Stadium always brought joy to those who knew him.
Lanigan’s legacy extends beyond his administrative roles; he was also a talented player, notably as a goal-kicking winger for Newtown, and later took on coaching positions in various clubs. His passion for boxing, shared with longtime friend and legendary trainer Johnny Lewis, further enriched his life.
The One New Zealand Warriors, along with the NRL, offer their heartfelt condolences to Lanigan’s family, including his wife Glenda, daughter Dearne, granddaughters Killarney and Tyla-Belle, and son-in-law Gavin.
