Born: 22 September, 1912 – Sydney
Died: 20 December, 2000 – Sydney
Test record: 0 Tests
Tours: 1939 tour of Great Britain

Former South Sydney Rabbitohs half Bob Banham was named as vice-captain of the 1939 Kiwis, whose tour was cut short after two matches by the advent of World War II.

A regular in the halves for Souths in 1936-37, representing City Firsts in the latter season and featuring in a Kangaroo Tour trial.

After missing selection he took up a player-coach position with Auckland Rugby League, which placed him with North Shore Albions then City Rovers during 1938. Later that year he scored a try for Auckland in a victory over the New Zealand side that had recently returned from a tour of Australia.

The 26-year-old joined Mt Albert in 1939 and his status on the New Zealand scene was reflected by his vice-captaincy nod for the Kiwis, despite being yet to play for his adopted country. Banham was one of five players to feature in both matches against St Helens and Dewsbury – scoring a try in the 19-3 defeat of Saints – before the plug was pulled on the tour.

Banham returned to Sydney and captained the Rabbitohs in 1941, playing all 14 of the club’s games and representing Sydney Seconds.