Vale Paul Broughton - international visionary and pioneer

International Rugby League Chair Troy Grant has paid tribute to influential administrator and international visionary, Paul Broughton OAM, after his passing, aged 91.

Broughton was a life-long servant of the game and inspired many within the rugby league community who had the fortune to be touched by him in his various roles as a player, coach and administrator.

Along with Jack Gibson, Broughton developed links between rugby league and American football during the 1970s and the innovative coach bought NFL star Manfred Moore to the Newtown Jets in 1977.

A founder of the Gold Coast Chargers and Gold Coast Titans, Broughton devoted the past decade to plans for developing the game in Papua New Guinea, China and the Pacific.

He was the driving force behind a World Nines in Samoa for non-NRL and Super League players, which was postponed in 2020 due to COVID but remains in the planning for next year.

IRL chair Troy Grant said: “Paul was a true internationalist who devoted his life to developing the game at all levels.

“He had a passion for taking rugby league to new frontiers that began at a young age, and his tireless efforts to grow the game never ceased.

“Paul was a pioneer, innovator and influencer, who was always willing to share his knowledge and experience with anyone willing to listen and learn from him. He cared immensely for the game and its future.

“On behalf of the IRL, I pass on my condolences to Paul’s wife Beverley, family, friends and the many people within the game he inspired and influenced.”