Queensland Rugby League joins the Sunshine Coast rugby league community in mourning the passing of former Sunshine Coast Rugby League president Les Williams.
A respected figure in the local game, Williams dedicated decades to rugby league on the Sunshine Coast, helping guide its growth and development.
His service earned him induction into the Sunshine Coast Rugby League Hall of Fame and life membership, recognising his longstanding commitment to the sport and its community.
Williams received life membership at the region’s combined senior and junior presentation evening at Twin Waters in 2019, as the Sunshine Coast celebrated 100 years of rugby league.
His contribution also included planning for the next generation of players.
Williams developed a strategic plan to lobby council for a rugby league club at Nirimba more than a decade before the Nirimba Hurricanes played their inaugural season in 2022.
The club began with teams from under 6s to under 9s, providing new opportunities for local children to play the game.
In its tribute, Rugby League Sunshine Coast acknowledged the lasting impact of his service.
“Les’ passion for rugby league and his contribution to the growth and development of our great game will always be remembered and appreciated,” the league said.
His passing is a significant loss to the Sunshine Coast rugby league community, where his years of service helped build the game for those who followed.
Queensland Rugby League extends its sincere condolences to Les’ family, friends and everyone who shared in his life and love of rugby league.
