It all started as a teenager playing Rugby League in Grafton and ended for Warren Smith as President of the mighty St Marys Leagues Club in western Sydney for 35 years.
And maybe there isn’t really an ‘end’ after all, despite announcing his retirement.
“I’m still going to help out on the fundraising side to help get our teams on trips,” Smith told nswrl.com.au
“I’ll always be involved with the club somehow. The Board just made me Patron, which is a great honour.”
Another was bestowed on Smith by NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden (pictured left above), who presented Smith last weekend with a plaque to acknowledge his life-time contribution to Rugby League in the state.
“Our game is built on people like Warren. Without people like him, we wouldn’t have a game,” Trodden told the crowd at the Licensed Clubs ‘Magic Round’ for Sydney Shield and Ron Massey Cup held at St Marys Leagues Stadium.
“He always dedicated himself to the good of Rugby League and we all thank him sincerely for that.”
For Smith, the years just flew by because he was both busy and having fun.
“I’ve been really proud of the support I’ve had from the rest of the board and all the club for so many years.
“It’s a famous and fantastic club that has grown so much.
“When I first started we had 14 sides and now we have 58 with just on 1,000 players – 200 of those are women.
“I’m very happy to see everything progress so well. It’s been a lot of work but real fun.”
Retirement hopefully will follow the same sort of path.
“I’ve been living in (suburban) Tregear for over 50 years and it’s been great being connected with the club. I might just have my feet up a little more but I’ll be around.”
(Photo: Bryden Sharp)
