Highly-respected rugby league figure Paul Broughton has passed away, aged 91.
Broughton served the game as a player, coach and administrator from 1954 onwards, and was recognised with an Order Of Australia Medal for his contributions to the game.
As a player, Broughton made eight first grade appearances for St George and Balmain, before moving into coaching roles with lower grades with the Dragons.
Broughton received a first grade role at Balmain in 1975, where he would coach the side on 45 occasions, before heading to Newtown for a further 27 matches.
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But perhaps Broughton's greatest achievement was helping build the Gold Coast Titans' NRL bid, with the side introduced as the competition's 16th club in 2007.
Broughton has been described as 'the godfather of Gold Coast rugby league' and was the club's inaugural chairman. To this day, the annual Titans Player of the Year award is named in his honour.
Many took to social media on Sunday morning to pay their respects, including Bulldogs boss Phil Gould, who played under Broughton at the Jets.
RIP Paul Broughton... one of league's true visionaries. A lovely man and we were talking only last week.
— The Mole (@9_Moley) December 4, 2022
Sad day...
So sad to hear of the passing of my dear old friend Mr Paul Broughton OAM @broughto8 The most intelligent and passionate Rugby League man I have ever known. He was 90yo & messaged me every day with ideas and support for the great game. So very sad. I miss him already. RIP Coach.
— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) December 4, 2022
Sorry to hear of the passing of Paul Broughton. A leader among men in Rugby League as a player, coach & administrator with @NRL_Dragons @WestsTigers @newtownrlfc
— Zane Bojack (@zanofc) December 4, 2022
But it was his drive to get @GCTitans into @nrl where I met him!#TheGodfather of GC league will be missed #RIP 💐
Remembering a giant. The Gold Coast Titans pay tribute to our founding chairman, Paul Broughton OAM, who passed away overnight. pic.twitter.com/2IBbGeIi2v
— Gold Coast Titans (@GCTitans) December 4, 2022
ARLC boss Peter V'landys also paid tribute to Broughton and his legacy within the game.
“Paul was innovative and influential,” he said in a statement.
“His passion for Rugby League was clear to all who knew him. He wanted desperately for the game to prosper and he worked tirelessly in order to make it happen.
“His efforts particularly to further the sport on the Gold Coast were tireless and nothing short of extraordinary. He was the founding Chairman of the Titans and his name is deservedly attached to the club’s annual best and fairest medal.
“He will be remembered as an enormously influential figure for Rugby League on the Gold Coast, but his impact went so far beyond that.
“He was a leader and a gentleman. He dared to take the game to places many couldn’t imagine and for that we will owe a huge debt.”
The Sporting News send our condolences to the Broughton family.
