Easts Tigers legend Des Morris retires from role as CEO

IT IS the end of an era for Easts Tigers Rugby League after one of the club’s ­legends announced his ­retirement.

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IT IS the end of an era for Easts Tigers Rugby League after one of the club’s ­legends announced his ­retirement.

Des Morris will step down as the club’s chief executive, a post he has held since 2007, ending his 48-year involvement at Langlands Park.

Also a selector for the Queensland State of ­Origin team and Australia, Morris said the club meant a lot to him.

“It’s been like a second home for me, I’ve been here forever,” he said.

“I came down here in 1968 just looking for an opportunity and ended up staying here and obviously being a part of some great teams.

“Obviously winning some premierships are highlights but as CEO, I’ve really ­enjoyed how we’ve been able to continue to make ­finals recently.

“I think establishing the link between us and the Melbourne Storm in 2010 was one of the best things to happen to the club as well.”

Morris is one of the greatest players in Easts history, having played in 226 games, including six grand finals and three premierships — two of them as player-coach.

“One of the best things about the club is the community we have around it and the great people I’ve met during my time here,” he said. “We are in a great position going forward, especially with Scott (Sipple) as coach.”

Morris will stay on in 2016 as the football operations manager.

Craig Ingebrigtsen (Former Easts coach)

- “He’s a true gentleman of the game. One of the things I love about Des, is that he’s a very loyal man but also on the rugby league side of things, he has an incredible wealth of knowledge. He’s been through different eras of the game and really understands the player and how to make that player the best they can be. I have the utmost respect for him as a person and club administrator.”

Scott Sipple (current Easts coach)

- “I‘ve known Des for over 20 years, from when I was a Colt at Easts. He has been a great leader of the club — when people think of Easts, the first thing they think of is Des Morris, one of the Queensland great legends. Over the last four months of working close as CEO and coach, I’ve realised the hard work and pride he puts into the club and would like to thank him for all he’s given to the club and the players and wish him and his family all the best.”

Matt Zgrajewski (club captain)

- “There is plenty you could say about Des. The influence he has had in rugby league at our level, especially our club, he’s one of the greatest club men I have ever met. He comes across as quite a stern, very old school person but when you get to know Des, he’s one of the nicest blokes you will ever meet, and one who would do anything to help you or the club out.”