Wests Tigers would like to extend their condolences to the family of Robert "Bob" Smithies following his recent passing.

English-born, Smithies joined Balmain from the Illawarra competition in 1969 and quickly became a regular in the side with his energy and attacking class.

Fullback in the Tigers' 1969 Premiership-winning side over South Sydney, Smithies would play 58 games in total for the black and gold — scoring 14 tries.

From there he would move back to England, joining Hull KR in 1972.

Smithies would again find himself winning silverware — this time with the black and whites as Hull KR toppled Wakefield Trinity in the 1974 Yorkshire County Cup.

He would play 55 games in total for Hull KR between 1972 and 1976, finishing his time in rugby league with a strong strike-rate of 36 tries in 113 matches.

The thoughts of all at Wests Tigers are with Bob's family at this time.