Queensland rugby league legend Darryl Van de Velde dies, aged 72

The QRL icon who pushed for Billy Slater’s Maroons appointment has passed away. Queensland Rugby League remembers legendary administrator Darryl Van de Velde.

Darryl Van de Velde, the legendary Queensland rugby league administrator, has died.

The Queensland Rugby League paid tribute on Tuesday to Van de Velde, a former QRL director who was the inaugural CEO of the South Queensland Crushers in 1995.

Van de Velde was 72.

QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher said the Queensland rugby league fraternity was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Van de Velde.

“Darryl achieved many great things and was highly respected within the rugby league community,” Hatcher said.

“It can be a tough game at the best of times, so to be able to play, coach and serve as an administrator at such a high level over many years is a testament to his character and love for the game.

“His passion for rugby league, particularly here in Queensland, was always evident in the boardroom and throughout his many travels and endeavours throughout the state.”

Van de Velde served on the board of the QRL for more than 10 years, giving back to the game as the statewide competitions director.

Legendary QRL administrator Darryl Van de Velde. Picture: Nicholas Falconer/Sunshine Coast Daily

The Crushers’ foundation CEO played a key role in the current success of the Queensland Maroons. It was Van de Velde who pushed for Billy Slater to be blooded as Queensland coach, with his faith in Slater’s ability vindicated by the Maroons’ back-to-back Origin series triumphs.

His long-time friend, Ipswich Jets chairman Steve Johnson, said many in the league world, including Broncos legend Allan Langer, are devastated.

“Rugby league has lost one of their greatest men. We are shattered,” Johnson said.

“He was so close to Allan Langer … ‘Alfie’ would be feeling today like he has lost his father.

“It’s a massive unexpected loss when someone of Darryl’s standing suddenly dies. We haven’t had a chance to grieve.

“Darryl had just had his second-knee replacement.

“He was in a hurry to get both knees operated on so he could get out of pain.

“He wasn’t in good health, he recently had a bad case of pneumonia and I suggested he put the operation off, but he went ahead with it.

“He had the operation (on Monday) evening and the next morning his wife and physio took him for a walk.

“Darryl reported not feeling well and asked to be put back to bed and tragically we lost the great man.”

(L-R) Darryl Van De Velde (Pres. Qld Men of League), Wayne Luckel, Ian Ninnes and Peter Stephensen.

Over many decades and celebrated rugby league eras, Van de Velde made a significant contribution to the game as a player, coach and administrator.

Hatcher recalls Van de Velde having a great feel for rugby league and its people, able to mix it with the very best during his remarkable sporting journey.

On the field, Van de Velde donned the boots during one of the toughest and most competitive periods in the game’s history, with his exploits in the Brisbane Rugby League leading to his selection in the 1977 Queensland representative side.

With an unwavering love for the game, the former Easts, Souths and Redcliffe player transitioned seamlessly into the coaching ranks.

He guided Redcliffe to back-to-back BRL premierships before embarking on a successful coaching stint in England with Castleford, Huddersfield and Warrington.

However, rugby league in Queensland was always his passion and he returned to the Sunshine State to assist with the Men of League (now Family of League) after his stint with the South Queensland Crushers.

Van de Velde during his time as head coach of the Warrington Wolves.

Van de Velde was passionate about Queensland’s competitions and pathways and relished the Origin period when his beloved Maroons prepared to take on the Blues.

Van de Velde had only recently stepped down from the QRL board after playing a key role in shaping the QRL’s coveted statewide footprint.

A life member and former board member of Men of League, Van de Velde is survived by his wife Jacque and their two daughters.

“He knew the game so well. He was a hard but fair man,” Johnson said.

“He knew the grassroots of rugby league and he was always strong on protecting the fabric of the game.

“Darryl was so talented in every facet of the game. He helped start up the Crushers and he was the guy who believed Billy Slater would be a good State of Origin coach which has proven to be the right assessment.”

“Darryl wasn’t afraid to make the unpopular decision as long as it was the fair and right decision.”