Central Division manager Rob Crow leaves QRL for business venture

After 15 years with the QRL, the past three as Central Division manager, Rob Crow is diving headfirst into the deep end of a very different career. He talks openly about what prompted the change.

Rugby league administrator Rob Crow has kicked off a new career after stepping down from his lengthy service with the Queensland Rugby League.

The former Central Region footy manager is the new co-owner of Tropical Pool Maintenance’s Capricorn Coast store.

“It’s a new challenge for me,” Crow said.

“I’ve had my head down learning as much as I can as quickly as I can and I’m happy with the progress.

“I just wish I’d listened more intently during chemistry at school all those years ago.”

Rugby league identity Rob Crow has left the QRL and is the new co-owner of Tropical Pool Maintenance’s Capricorn Coast store.

Crow worked for 15 years in various roles with the QRL, most recently three years as the Central Division manager.

It was a demanding role and he said he was feeling like he’d had enough.

“The area I looked after was bigger than New South Wales. I was travelling a lot and working long hours,” he said.

“I was genuinely tired and felt I needed to refresh, mentally and physically.

“I needed to get out and regenerate and this opportunity came along and I thought, why not?

“I feel like I’ve got a new lease on life.”

Rob Crow pictured in 2012 with then QRL chairman John McDonald AM.

Despite the drastic change, Crow is as passionate now about rugby league as he was when he took his first QRL appointment as Capricorn regional co-ordinator in 2009.

He remains the secretary of the Management of Browne Park and as such, is heavily focused on its $54 million redevelopment, which is currently underway.

The long-awaited project will transform Rockhampton’s traditional home of rugby league into Central Queensland’s leading venue for sporting and entertainment events.

Crow said rugby league was in his blood, with his family having a long history in the game.

Rob Crow pictured with Brisbane Broncos legend Corey Parker, who was in Rockhampton as part of the Fox Sports broadcast team covering the NRL games played in the city.

His late grandfather Jack Crow was heavily involved in the Rockhampton Rugby League and a life member of the QRL, while his uncle Des coached the Queensland team before the advent of State of Origin.

His father Robert, one of his greatest influences, was a Rockhampton Rugby League president, a member of the Management of Browne Park and life member of the Rocky Referees Association.

Crow himself was a player, coach and on various committees before signing on with the QRL.

Rob Crow was active in petitioning the NRL to bring games to Rockhampton’s Browne Park several years ago.

He said he was pleased to have overseen the “evolution of rugby league” in the region during his tenure.

He nominates the growth of the annual 47th Battalion Carnival as one of the highlights and working with the outback areas as one of his most enjoyable assignments.

Crow said he would continue to have a vested interest in the Central Division, which will now be led by 313-game NRL veteran Steve Price.

“I wish him well in the role,” he said.

“He was a legend of the Origin arena so it will be interesting to see where he takes the region.”

Originally published as Central Division manager Rob Crow leaves QRL for business venture