It is with the deepest sadness the NSWRL announces the passing of Paul Broughton OAM.
Broughton had a distinguished career as a player, coach and administrator; was a life member of the NSW Rugby League; a mentor to many and a true Rugby League visionary.
“It is often said that the legacy of the great educators is that they affect an eternity, in that they influence the next generation who then go on themselves to affect future generations and so on,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.
“That thought could easily sum up Paul’s legacy to Rugby League because of the inter-generational impact which he has had on the game.
“Paul was affectionately, respectfully and reverentially known to all his friends in the game simply as ‘Coach’. His impact on us has made Rugby League a vastly better game and you have made all of us vastly better people and we offer our deepest condolences to Bev and your extended family.
“Rest in peace, Coach.”
Broughton played first grade for the St George Dragons and Balmain Tigers, as well as for multiple clubs in regional New South Wales and regional Queensland.
He captained the Dragons’ third grade team to a premiership in 1953 and when injury forced him into retirement, he moved into coaching. He quickly tasted success after coaching the Dragons' third and reserve grade teams to titles from 1962-64.
In the 1970s, he progressed to become an innovative and highly regarded first grade coach with Brisbane Brothers, Balmain Tigers and Newtown Jets.
The pivotal role which he played in the establishment of the Gold Coast Titans - and his involvement with previous Gold Coast franchises – led to him being regarded as the Godfather of Rugby League on the Gold Coast. Such is the respect with which he is held in the area, the Titans’ Player of the Year award was named the Paul Broughton Medal.
Broughton also had a crucial involvement and impact on NSWRL development programs, including running camps for aspiring coaches and junior Rugby League players in Armidale in northern NSW.
He influenced future coaches including Wayne Bennett, Des Hasler and Geoff Toovey, and the rising stars of the game including Westpac NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler and True Blue Andrew Johns.
“The annual coaching camps which he ran at University of New England with Peter Corcoran were the stuff of which legends were made, and indeed, there were not many coaches or players of that era who did not have the benefit of advice from Paul and Peter,” Trodden said.
“His impact on the game in our state has been acknowledged by the naming of the educational centre at NSW Rugby League headquarters after Paul.
“His thinking was always way ahead of its time, not only in Rugby League ways but in socially progressive ways. He was a big supporter of our First Nations people.
“When Paul employed Steve ‘Bear' Hall as a development officer for NSW Rugby League, it was the first time that an Indigenous person had been employed in such a role in our game.
“In more recent times, his thinking heavily influenced the ‘One State’ philosophy which underpinned the reunification of NSW Rugby League and Country Rugby League.
“In his later years, his enthusiasm and forward, innovative thinking about all issues across the game belied his advancing years. His contribution to the game across all levels is impossible to measure and he will be sorely missed.”
The NSWRL passes on its sincere condolences to his wife Bev, his family and the many friends of Paul Broughton.
