From sacking as club cellarman to president: Bears legend Paul Khan’s epic tale
The club president was fired as club cellarman three times in 1994 but showed up to work the following Monday every time. 27 years later, the Burleigh Bears can’t imagine life without him.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Burleigh Bears president Paul Khan was fired as the club’s cellarman three times in 1994 but showed up to work the following Monday every single time.
The Bears simply could not get rid of the former Newcastle Knight, who made himself at home at Burleigh in 1994 after his release from the ARL club.
After 27 years, the Bears can’t imagine their club without him.
“I suppose a lot of people that I played football with, they come back and my name’s up there on the wall and they have a bit of a chuckle,” the club president said.
“We had a lot of good times at the club.
“It was a bit different back then, when after a game on the weekend the only way to get the players out of the Leagues Club was to stick us on the courtesy bus and drive us into Surfers Paradise.
COAST’S FASTEST AND STRONGEST FOOTBALLERS REVEALED
RANKED: TITANS BEST AND WORST JERSEYS
“I’ve seen the game change; the club has become more professional and instead of beers and going out after a game it’s all ice baths and protein shakes.”
Khan’s love for the Bears scuttled multiple attempts at retiring from a playing career that spanned 12 seasons.
After captain-coaching the club’s A Grade side to the local Premiership in 2006, Khan hung up the boots only to be appointed club president a year later, a role he serves as a volunteer to this day.
“I’m pretty honoured to be involved with such a great club,” he said.
“It was my way of giving back because league has been a part of my life since I was born.
“It’s all about creating good memories, winning comps and being successful, and that’s always fun.”
After 12 seasons at the top, Khan says he’ll continue to serve the club until a replacement puts his or her hand up to relieve him.
HISTORIC: Queensland names first university women’s league team
NAMED: Queensland has written its name into the rugby league history books after naming its first ever women’s university team. See who made the team here.
Named: Ultimate Qld Schoolboys league team of the year as picked by you
The votes are in and the top schoolboy rugby league players in the state have been selected in a bumper First XIII. See who our readers thought were the cream of the crop league players in season 2024.