- Rugby league identity Darryl Van de Velde has died
- Was inaugural CEO of the South Queensland Crushers
- Also an esteemed coach in Brisbane then over in England
Queensland rugby league is in mourning following the death of decorated player, coach and administrator Darryl Van de Velde.
The 72-year-old, who was the inaugural CEO of the now defunct South Queensland Crushers, was also a handy player in his heyday.
Van de Velde was picked in the 1977 Queensland representative side before the former star with Easts, Souths and Redcliffe in Brisbane turned his attention to coaching.
He guided Redcliffe to back-to-back premierships before heading to England, where he enjoyed stints in charge of Castleford, Huddersfield and Warrington.
Next was a return to the Sunshine State to assist with establishing the Men of League after his tenure in charge of the Crushers.
Queensland rugby league is in mourning following the death of beloved administrator Darryl Van de Velde
Van de Velde guided Redcliffe to back-to-back premierships in Brisbane before heading to England, where he enjoyed stints with Castleford, Huddersfield and Warrington (pictured)
Van de Velde also served on the board of the QRL for more than a decade, where he excelled as the statewide competitions director.
QRL chairman Bruce Hatcher offered his condolences to Van de Velde’s family and close friends, which include Broncos great Allan Langer.
‘Darryl achieved many great things and was highly respected within the rugby league community,’ Hatcher said.
‘It can be a tough game at the best of times, so to be able to play, coach and serve as an administrator at such a high level over many years is a testament to his character and love for the game.
‘His passion for rugby league, particularly in Queensland, was always evident in the boardroom and throughout his many travels and endeavours throughout the state.’
English league identity Lee Crooks credited Van de Velde with ‘turning his life around’ not long after he signed for Castleford in the early 1990s following a troubled spell at Leeds.
Ipswich Jets chairman Steve Johnson told News Corp Van de Velde will be remembered as a man who had an eye for elite talent as well as his tough, but fair nature.
Van De Velde also had no doubt Billy Slater would be a successful coach at Origin level for the Maroons – and he has been proven correct in a big way
‘He knew the game so well,’ Johnson said.
‘He knew the grassroots of rugby league and he was always strong on protecting the fabric of the game.
‘Darryl was so talented in every facet of the game. He was [also] the guy who believed Billy Slater would be a good State of Origin coach which has proven to be the right assessment.
‘Darryl wasn’t afraid to make the unpopular decision as long as it was the fair and right decision.’
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