Rugby League Legends Honored in King’s Birthday Awards
Stars of the Field and Philanthropic Leaders Receive Recognition
Australia’s King’s Birthday honours list celebrated several figures from the world of Rugby League, acknowledging both on-field achievements and significant contributions to the community. The accolades span decades of dedication to the sport and beyond.
Miles Leads the Honorees
Gene Miles, a Rugby League Hall of Fame member and former Kangaroos international with 14 Test caps, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to youth and the sport. His playing career encompassed 12 years and 320 first-class games across Wynnum-Manly, Brisbane Broncos, and Wigan.
Since 2008, Miles has served as executive Chair of the Former Origin Greats (FOGs), and since 2017, he has chaired the Queensland Rugby League State of Origin team selection panel, following years as a selector beginning in 2001.
Community Champions Also Recognized
The honours weren’t limited to players. Rick Penn, patriarch of the family that owns the Sea Eagles, received an AM for his substantial service to the community through various charitable endeavors. Meanwhile, Clive Berghofer, a long-time benefactor of the Brisbane Broncos, was elevated to Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished philanthropic support of Queensland’s health, emergency services, sporting, and educational organizations.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, volunteering rates in sports and physical recreation remain consistently high, with approximately 36% of Australians aged 15 years and over volunteering in this sector in 2023. ABS Volunteering Data
A Broad Spectrum of Recognition
Numerous other individuals within the Rugby League community were acknowledged for their dedication at the local level, with honours recognizing contributions to sport, education, and various service organizations.
OAM Recipients
- Paul Anderson – Crookwell and District RL club – for service to Community
- Geoff Baldwin – former WA Rugby League Chairman – for service to Veterans
- Gerald Doyle – Illawarra District Rugby League – for service to Community in the Illawarra region
- John Eales – Brisbane (Easts) Tigers former player and long-term executive committee member – for service to child welfare organisations
- Robert ‘Bob’ Fleeton – long-term Moorebank Rams JRL President – for service to sports administration, and to the Community
- Gordon Gorton – former President and director of Cessnock Goannas RL club – for service to the Community through a range of service organisations
- Lance Harrigan – former NSWRL referee and South Sydney referees association life member – for service to the community through a range of organisations
- Mark Holton – former NSWRL referee and Terrigal Wamberal RL club board member – for service to the Community through a range of organisations
- Brian Jack – Newcastle Knights Junior selection panel Chairman and life member – for service to the community of Maitland
- Gene Miles – NRL Hall of Fame inductee, Queensland Rugby League Team of the Century – for service to Youth, and to Rugby League
- Raymond Strong – former player, Treasurer, President Berry Shoalhaven Heads RL club – for service to the community of Berry
- Cyril ‘Jimmy’ Tanner – 19-year volunteer, player, coach, groundsman, dual life member Armidale Rams senior and junior RL club – for service to Rugby League football in Armidale
AM Recipient
Richard ‘Rick’ Penn – Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles owner – for significant service to the Community through charitable initiatives
AO Recipient
Clive Berghofer – Brisbane Broncos and Oakey Bears RL club benefactor – for distinguished service to the Community of Queensland through philanthropic support of health and emergency services, sporting and educational organisations.
These awards reflect the enduring impact of Rugby League figures, not only on the field but also within their communities, demonstrating a commitment to service and philanthropy that extends far beyond the final whistle.
