The Gold Coast Titans today joined the wider Gold Coast community in celebrating the life of foundation Chairman, Paul Broughton OAM.
In a service held earlier today at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Clear Island Waters, current staff, players and coaches were joined by the wider rugby league fraternity.
Current players Tino Fa'asuamelaui and Moeaki Fotuaika were in attendance and both are recent winners of the Paul Broughton Medal - the award for the club's best and fairest NRL player each year.
They were joined by club owners Darryl Kelly, and Brett Frizelle, along with Coach Justin Holbrook, Chairman Dennis Watt and a number of ex-players and staff
Among them were; Anthony Don, Greg Bird, Nathan Friend, Preston Campbell, Anthony Laffranchi and Ryan James who are also all former winners of the award named in Broughton's honour.
Such was the impact of one of the founding fathers of Gold Coast Rugby League that the support came from far and wide to pay their respects, including; CEO of NSWRL Dave Trodden, renowned journalist Roy Masters, former rugby league administrator John Quayle and ARLC Commissioner, Kate Jones.
A number paid tribute to Mr Broughton, including Trodden, Masters and Titans Chairman Dennis Watt.
Mr Watt spoke recently on the huge impact that Mr Broughton had made, not just on the Gold Coast, but right across the game.
"In Paul Broughton, OAM, the game of rugby league has lost one of our greatest statesmen, visionaries and contributors," Watt said.
"Whether as a player, coach, administrator or mentor, Paul has left an indelible mark on our code and the people privileged to have been caught up in his unrelenting passion for “the greatest game of all.”
"Paul’s connection with the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales goes back over 60 years, beginning as captain coach at Murwillumbah Brothers in 1958.
"After a stellar career in Sydney in coaching, he played a pivotal role in the Gold Coast Titans being admitted to the NRL for season 2007, becoming the club’s inaugural chairman.
"In honour of his role as a founding father of the Titans, the club awards the Paul Broughton Medal each year to its best and fairest player.
"As always, Paul spoke eloquently and demonstrated his great love for the club in awarding the 2022 Medal to our inspirational captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui at the club’s awards night in October.
"Paul has been a regular source of support for the club, always reaching out to acknowledge the hard work and sacrifices so necessary for success.
"And for myself as chairman, there was always a kind word or note whenever the going was toughest.
"Ever dignified and humble, Paul’s presence, always reminded us that we should never forget those who dug the well.
"Paul never did and only in the days before he passed away he was organising a wake for the recently departed Roy “Rocky” Miller who also had much to do with the Titans entering the NRL with the support he provided as then Managing Director of The Gold Coast Bulletin.
"Paul will be sorely missed but will never be forgotten here at the Gold Coast Titans.
"We pass on our deepest condolences to Paul’s partner Bev, family and friends."
The club will acknowledge Mr Broughton's contribution publicly at the first home game on Saturday, 18 March next season.
