Vale Bruce Prescott

The Queensland Rugby League sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of former QRL director Bruce Prescott, who has sadly passed away aged 71.

Prescott served as an independent director on the QRL Board for 10 years, a term which coincided with Queensland’s incredible run of State of Origin success in which the Queensland Maroons chalked up eight-straight series wins.

A legal specialist, Prescott was highly respected by fellow directors and QRL staff across the state, right up until his retirement from the Board in 2020.  

During his time in the game, Prescott was instrumental in the modernisation of the QRL Constitution and governance structure, as well as the rewrite of QRL rules; he was also the chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.

QRL chief executive officer Rohan Sawyer paid his respects today during his CEO update with all staff.

“Bruce was a stalwart in and around our structures, our governance, and was a true and passionate member of the rugby league community who just loved the QRL and the game,” Sawyer said.

“We wish his family and friends our heartfelt condolences. I had a short time working with Bruce for about 12 months, and for those who had spent time with Bruce or had worked with him, anytime you spent with him was enlightening and enriching.

“And there were plenty of times where it was great to sit down with him and have a coffee to debate some of the topics around governance of the game.

“Sadly, one of the greats of this organisation has passed away but has left a long-lasting legacy on the way that we operate and the way that we govern rugby league.”

Former QRL managing director Robert Moore echoed those sentiments today.

“One of Bruce’s great strengths was his ability to get out of the board room to work with staff on the ground, in head office or regions,” Moore said.

“He made it really simple and easy.

“He always loved his footy, and when the opportunity came up to be on the board he jumped at it, and then contributed immensely over that 10-year period.”

Main picture: Bruce Prescott (seated) with the rest of the QRL Board.