Wests Tigers is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Balmain Tigers player, Billy Bischoff Jr.
Tiger No 483, Bischoff Jr. covered several positions in the backline, including centre, five-eighth and half. He played 151 first grade games for Balmain in nine seasons, scoring 34 tries.
Bischoff hailed from a Rugby League family, with his father, Billy ‘Bok’ Bischoff, playing for the Tigers from 1937-40 including being part of the 1939 premiership-winning team.
Bischoff Jr made his first grade debut for Balmain in 1957 and the following season started at five-eighth for the club’s Preliminary Final loss to St George Dragons.
He would go on to play 151 games for the Tigers from 1957-65 with the club regularly contesting finals series during his time there.
In the 1964 Grand Final he started at halfback in the 11-6 loss to the legendary St George team.
He left Balmain at the end of 1965 and the following season joined West Tamworth as captain-coach in the NSW country competition.
He also represented the NSW Country team in 1967-68 before hanging up the boots at the end of 1968.
Wests Tigers extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Billy Bischoff Jr.