Rugby league identity Peter Mulholland dies after long battle with cancer

Peter Mulholland, the most respected talent scout in Australian rugby league, has passed away following a long battle with cancer.

Popular rugby league identity Peter Mulholland has passed away following a long battle with cancer.

Mulholland worked in rugby league for 50 years as a player, coach and talent scout, and at the time of his death, was employed as the Canberra Raiders’ recruitment and high performance director.

He had held the post since 2015 and was instrumental in the Raiders’ charge to their drought-breaking 2019 grand final appearance.

Mulholland is best remembered for his ability to spot and nurture young prospects, having coached future superstars including Jason Taylor, Trent Barrett and Mick Potter during his time at St. Gregory’s College, which is still regarded as one of Sydney’s most prolific NRL nurseries.

He left St. Gregory’s to become the Western Reds’ first and only ARL coach between 1995 and 1996.

Mulholland (L) and Mark Geyer (R) during their Western Reds days.

In the NRL era, Mulholland was on the coaching staff for the Penrith Panthers’ 2003 premiership-winning season and worked as a recruiter for the Bulldogs between 2008 and 2011, helping lift the side from the doldrums to the cusp of the top eight.

He was the head of recruitment at the Newcastle Knights during Wayne Bennett’s tenure as head coach and filled the same post at the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the 2015 season.

In modern times, Dale Finucane, Adam Elliott, Josh Jackson and the Saifiti brothers are among the stars whose careers were ignited by Mulholland and his vigilant eye for rugby league talent.

Raiders CEO Don Furner remembered Mulholland as “one of the most loved and respected people in rugby league”.

“The game has lost one of its greatest characters and we send our deepest sympathies to his wife Mel, his sons Heath and Ned and the entire Mulholland family at this very sad time,” Furner said.

“Peter Mulholland was one of the most loved and respected people in rugby league and there will be many wonderful stories and memories shared about him over the coming weeks.

“He was instrumental in turning around our club’s fortunes and helping us make the grand final with some of his astute and targeted recruitment.

“Pete’s love of rugby league and his passion for what he did is what made him such a unique and respected person in our game, and I know we will all be poorer for his passing.”

Peter Mulholland with Raiders players Michael Oldfield, Sia Soliola and Dunamis Lui.

Rugby league guru Phil Gould and former professional players Adrian Vowles and Joe Williams were among the many figures within the game to pay tribute to Mulholland on social media.

Good man Peter Mulholland. So sad to hear of his passing, after his long and brave battle with cancer. He served rugby league all his life. Very popular with all in the game. Best wishes to his family and many friends. RIP

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) December 16, 2021

RIP Peter Mulholland - a great eye for Rugby League talent & an even better human being. A truly beautiful man!!

Safe journey mate - rest easy 🖤

— Joe Williams - TEW (@joewilliams_tew) December 16, 2021

RIP Peter Mulholland, a champion bloke gone far too soon ❤️❤️❤️

— Adrian Vowles (@AdrianVowles13) December 16, 2021

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Mulholland. A phone call to ‘Skull’ was like sitting at the front bar with a history teacher, talent scout, coach and father. He cared immensely for the game. He loved Netflix. They should make a doco on him. Icon of rugby league.

— David Riccio (@DaveRic1) December 16, 2021

A true gentleman who gave his all to the game. Peter Mulholland was the best at finding and nurturing the stars we cheer for, but all along he was our true champion. Very sad x

— Yvonne O’Keefe (@VonOKeefe) December 16, 2021

Shattered by Peter Mulholland’s passing. Have been in regular contact since he left the Knights to help build the Raiders into a premiership force. Respected, trusted, a great operator but even better bloke who was always upbeat even in the face of his cruel battle. RIP Pete.

— Barry Toohey (@BarryToohey) December 16, 2021

Originally published as Rugby league identity Peter Mulholland dies after long battle with cancer