Bob Simpson RIP: hard but fair, always for the game

Graham Mackie | August 18, 2025

I was lucky to be chosen in two Tooheys Cup games in two different regions of NSW state—firstly in the Far West Competition and secondly in the Far North Coast Region.

I don’t have to remind everyone of the enormous contribution Bob Simpson made to Australian cricket but will just dwell on the impact he made on NSW Country Cricket.

Bob and Steve Rixon were pioneers in the cricket coaching of many junior players in NSW country, but one of their greatest attributes was the playing of these matches in the bush involving current Test and Shield cricketers, something long gone despite the herculean efforts of the Baggy Blues to revive this concept.

I had the fortunate opportunity to open the bowling with Lenny Pascoe, who expressed dissatisfaction with the 15-meter limit on his run-up.

The fact that a bush cricketer could open with a Test opening bowler against the quality of Test batters Rick McCosker, Peter Toohey, and Steve Rixon is what these games gave to all the other players involved.

Simmo was forever pushing to up the standard of country cricket and have local players believe they could succeed at a higher level, something he achieved at an international level throughout his illustrious career.

The game in Dubbo turned out to be a state selection trial, as a few of the players had just come from the World Series Cricket and were trying to get back into the NSW squad.

Fast forward to 1984, and I was playing in the Lismore Competition and was chosen to play against Tweed at Oakes Oval under lights.

This game was significant, as Bob had bought up Greg Matthews, who had just been selected for the Australian team.

So again, I had the opportunity to play with the likes of Sam Trimble, Doug Walters, and Peter Toohey against Bob Simpson, Steve Rixon, Peter Clifford, and Greg Matthews.

I luckily got one of the openers out, and Greg Matthews strode to the wicket—I walked back to my mark, and Doug Walters, who was fielding at mid-on, said to me, “bounce him,” to which I duly responded, “ok.”

Greg looked up and said, "What are you doing, Graham? This is a Tooheys Cup match.” I responded, “You are a test player, and I am just an ordinary Lismore bush cricketer.” Two balls later he was caught behind—thanks, Greg. What I am saying here is that Bob Simpson created all this theatre with his (and Steve Rixon's) involvement and dedication to country cricket.

He was on the radio and local TV, and his cricket caravan was on the back page of all the local newspapers throughout NSW.

He also set a high standard of how to play the game in every area he was involved in on and off the field.

I had a lot of discussions, run-ins, and talks with Bob over the years, especially at Level 2 coaching courses, but one thing remains: his passion for the game of cricket and for the people involved in its implementation. Thanks, Mr. Simpson, for the memories you created. You were always hard but fair.

Graham Mackie A past player and coach from the NSW Bush 

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