Tribute for Sunshine Coast rugby league stalwart Mark Brandon

Family and friends are mourning the loss of a rugby league tragic who was an inspiration to many Sunshine Coast players. Read his family’s emotional tribute.

Tribute for Mark ‘Brando’ Brandon.

Rugby league “legend” Mark ‘Brando’ Brandon is being remembered for his dedication to the sport – with not even a serious bike accident holding him back from a grand final and Mad Monday.

The always positive Sunshine Coast sporting figure is being mourned following his death from metastatic melanoma at the age of 69 last month.

Mr Brandon was a major figure in the lives of many involved with the Maroochydore Swans, Beerwah Bulldogs, Caloundra Sharks, Caboolture Snakes and wider Sunshine Coast rugby league community.

He had two children – Oliver and Hayley – before meeting his partner Judy Hindmarsh who also had two children from a previous relationship.

The pair moved from Brisbane to Landsborough in 1995, living on a 20 acre property and running a printing business before retiring in 2020 and relocating to Coolum Beach.

Mark Brandon.

His daughter Hayley said nothing could ever keep him away from rugby league.

“I remember after a serious accident on his bike, Mark was admitted to hospital for treatment, however this unfortunate (but very serious event) also clashed with his football grand final and of course, ‘Mad Monday’ celebrations,” she said.

“Against all medical advice from multiple treatment professionals, Brando checked himself out of hospital, attended the GF and partook in celebrations and then checked himself back into hospital the following day. “

The rugby league fanatic began coaching in 1995 at Beerwah through the junior age groups before moving to Caloundra in 1998.

Mr Brandon accepted the a-grade head coaching role of Caboolture in 2009 where the side finished as minor premiers.

In 2010 he switched to the role of assistant coach for Maroochydore, taking over the reins the following year and coaching them up until 2015 where they played in two grand finals and finished as minor premiers.

Mr Brandon also coached the Norths Maori Rugby League team from 2010 to 2015 and finally returned to Beerwah, coaching in the second division in 2016, 2017 and 2019.

“He lived and breathed Rugby League,” his partner Judy said.

“I think mentoring each individual player and bringing out their best was where he gained the most satisfaction and I think this is the main reason why he is so highly regarded.”

Mr Brandon also played touch football for Caboolture for many years, was a junior baseball coach for the Mooloolah Hawks and had a three year stint as president of the SCATER horse riding club.

Hayley said he was ‘a true player’s coach’.

“Dad had an amazing ability to see the best in people on and off the footy field,” she said.

“He was an inspiration, mentor and friend to many young men.”

She said even in sickness he continued to be an inspiration.

As a mark of respect, and support, Mr Brandon was pulled out onto the field and presented with a signed football during the clash between his former clubs Beerwah and Maroochydore in 2018.

“He was a shining example to those with cancer showing them that you should not ever give up the struggle and should live life to the fullest through difficult times,” she said.

“He exuded positivity, kindness and commitment, and will be revered for the positive impact he made on so many people, across all facets of life.”

The pair said Mr Brandon would be sorely missed and thanked the community for the overwhelming number of touching messages, facebook posts and comments.

Originally published as Tribute for Sunshine Coast rugby league stalwart Mark Brandon