The NSWRL was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of long-serving St Marys administrator, Warren Smith OAM, aged 86.
Smith (pictured right with NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden) started his Rugby League journey as a teenage player in Grafton, but it was his efforts as an administrator with Saints where he truly left his mark.
He was appointed Secretary of the St Marys Junior Rugby League Committee in 1985 when the Club had only 14 teams and no sponsors. Through his dedication and vision, the junior league expanded significantly, and by the time he retired from the Board of Directors the Club had 56 teams in the Penrith and District Competition and had secured premierships in the higher-tier Leagues Clubs Australia Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions.
“Warren’s lifelong dedication to the game of Rugby League, his beloved Saints, and the wider community leaves an enduring impact and a remarkable legacy, one that will continue to inspire us all,” the club said in a statement.
“His guidance, passion for Rugby League, and unwavering commitment to the club has paved the way for future generations.”
Smith was elected to the Board in 1986 and over the next 38 years – including an extraordinary 35-year tenure as President – he guided the Club through a period of unprecedented growth and achievement.
Off the field, he spearheaded major developments that transformed the Club’s footprint and its future, including St Marys Leagues Stadium, the Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys, and more recently the Western Foyer and Saints Event Centre development.
Smith’s outstanding service was recognised with Life Membership in 1999, followed by a distinguished list of honours, including the Australian Sports Medal, Lindsay Sports Volunteer of the Year, NSW Rugby League Volunteer of the Year, Sports NSW Distinguished Long Service Award, Leagues Clubs Australia Jack Martin Award, and Life Membership of Leagues Clubs Australia. His most prestigious recognition came in 2017, when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
In 2024 Warren made the decision to retire from the Board and hand the reins to the next generation. He was presented in April last year with a lifetime achievement award by NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden at the Leagues Clubs Australia Magic Round at St Marys Leagues Stadium.
Following his retirement, he continued to serve the Club as a Life Member and as the Club’s inaugural Patron.
The NSWRL passes its sincere condolences on to Smith’s may friends and family.
