Vale Warren Smith.
Warren Smith, the long-time President of St Marys Rugby League Club, has passed away.
He was 86.
“His guidance, passion for rugby league, and unwavering commitment to the Club has paved the way for future generations,” his beloved club said in a statement.
After 38 years serving St Marys in various administration roles, most notably as President for 35 years, Smith retired last year.
He was appointed Secretary of the St Marys Junior Rugby League Committee in 1985, at a time when the Club fielded just 14 teams and had 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 was fielding 56 teams in the Penrith and District Competition and had secured premierships in the higher-tier NSW Rugby League Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions.
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.
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