Paul Broughton: Rugby league legend and Gold Coast Titans founder dead at 91
Rugby League legend and Gold Coast Titans godfather Paul Broughton has died. Tributes are flowing for the man who had a profound impact on the game.
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Rugby League legend and Gold Coast Titans godfather Paul Broughton has died.
Mr Broughton, who lived on the Gold Coast, was 91 and passed away on Saturday evening.
Tributes are flowing for the man who had a profound impact on the game.
Mat Rogers, a founding Titan, told the Bulletin he was devastated by the news.
“He was a legend, he had a lot to do with the Titans in the early days and he was integral,” he said.
“This is a huge loss to the community because he was so engaged with the club in its early days.
“Paul was a lovely man and it’s a huge loss.”
Rugby league identity Phil Gould remembered his friend.
“So sad to hear of the passing of my dear old friend Mr Paul Broughton OAM,” he said.
“The most intelligent and passionate Rugby League man I have ever known.
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
“He was 90yo & messaged me every day with ideas and support for the great game. So very sad. I miss him already. RIP Coach.”
Paul Broughton was born on March 31, 1931 and began playing rugby league in the 19650s, playing 44 games across all grades at St George.
He later played a single game for Balmain in 1957 before being injured in his first game and retiring.
He later turned his attention to coaching, including a at Brothers in the Brisbane league competition in 1974 before returning to Sydney for stints at Balmain and Newtown.
In the 2000s he, along with Michael Searle, John Cartwright and many others played a key role in the creation of a new NRL side on the Gold Coast.
The Titans entered the competition in 2007.
Titans co-owner Rebecca Frizelle said Mr Broughton’s legacy was profound.
“We have lost one of the pioneering fathers of rugby league on the Gold Coast with the sad passing of Paul Broughton,” she said.
“Paul was instrumental in securing the licence for the Gold Coast Titans and was deeply involved in the early formation of our Club. He was a true visionary.”
Fellow Titans co-owner Daryl Kelly praised Mr Broughton for his work in making the club a reality.
“We are honoured Paul Broughton’s legacy will continue on every year with the presentation of our highest medal that bears his name.
“The Paul Broughton Award recognises outstanding individual playing performances, encapsulating all that Paul stood for.
“The game and our Club will certainly miss his contribution, his passion for people and for our community.”
Titans chairman Dennis Watt said rugby league had lost one of its greatest statesmen, visionaries and contributors.
“Whether as a player, coach, administrator or mentor, Paul has left an indelible mark on our code and the people privileged to have been caught up in his unrelenting passion for “the greatest game of all.”
“Paul’s connection with the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales goes back over 60 years, beginning as captain coach at Murwillumbah Brothers in 1958.
“And after a stellar career in Sydney in coaching he played a pivotal role in the Gold Coast Titans being admitted to the NRL for season 2007, becoming the club’s inaugural chairman.”
Mr Watt said the club in honour of Mr Broughton’s role as founding father each year awarded the Paul Broughton Medal to its best and fairest player.
“As always, Paul spoke eloquently and demonstrated his great love for the club in awarding the 2022 Medal to our inspirational captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui at the club’s awards night,” Mr Watt said.
“Paul has been a regular source of support for the club, always reaching out to acknowledge the hard work and sacrifices so necessary for success.
“And for myself as chairman, there was always a kind word or note whenever the going was toughest.
“Ever dignified and humble, Paul’s presence, always reminded us that we should never forget those who dug the well.
“Paul never did and only in recent days he was organising a wake for the recently departed Roy “Rocky” Miller who also had much to do with the Titans entering the NRL with the support he provided as then Managing Director of The Gold Coast Bulletin.
“Paul will be sorely missed but will never be forgotten here at the Gold Coast Titans. We pass on our deepest condolences to Paul’s partner Bev, family and friends.”
Mr Broughton was the first sporting leader to begin the push for the Gold Coast to host the Commonwealth Games.
In August 2007 as rain drenched crowd of more than 17,000 rugby league fans watched the Titans beat the Roosters in a final home game, he realised the ground needed a major renovation.
On the following day Mr Broughton told the Bulletin he wanted to be part of a bid for the city to get the 2018 Commonwealth Games and Carrara a major upgrade.
“We already have so many great facilities in this city, but for the Games we would commission a new stadium for Carrara. We would then be able to bid for every single world and national event in any sport,” Mr Broughton said.
When Mr Broughton celebrated his 91st birthday in late March this year, friends on social media described him as “the nicest man in rugby league”.
They called the former coach and administrator “a true gentleman and visionary”.
He received an OAM in 2017 for his contribution to rugby league and role in creating the Gold Coast Titans NRL team.
One of the Coast’s sporting identity’s last public appearances was at the Gold Coast Titans Awards night in late September where he presented the Paul Broughton Medal to captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
Mr Broughton told the Titans leader: “I think you are an inspiration, young man. The way you approach the game, the way you handle yourself. It’s very important in our game now.”
The Titans captain replied: “I didn’t get to shake Paul’s hand last year (when I won this award). It’s been an honour I got to do it this year.”
Mr Broughton had been active even in recent days.
Just last week he had been helping to plan a memorial service for his close friend, former Gold Coast Bulletin managing director Roy “Rocky” Miller, which is due to be held this week.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate paid tribute to Mr Broughton.
“Paul was a giant in the world of rugby league and absolutely instrumental in ensuring our city had a national team,” he said.
“That vision lives on through the Titans and away from the game, he was passionate about family and a loyal friend to those around him.
“Our city has lost one of its own.”
Southport MP Rob Molhoek was a close friend of Mr Broughton for decades and they worked together on the original Titans bid.
Mr Molhoek said he felt like he’d lost a family member.
“Paul and I had been close for a long time and when my dad passed away more than 15 years ago, Paul became a fatherly figure who I grew to love and I am really going to miss him,” he said.
“He leaves behind and incredible legacy and had so much time for people.
“I’m in shock … I thought he was going to be around for another 10 years.”
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Originally published as Paul Broughton: Rugby league legend and Gold Coast Titans founder dead at 91
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