The Brisbane Broncos are deeply saddened by the passing of former Managing Director and CEO Shane Edwards, who died on Thursday afternoon following his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the Broncos are with Shane’s wife Sue, his family and loved ones at this difficult time.
Shane served as Managing Director of the Broncos for seven years from 1995 to 2002, leading the Club through an important and successful period in its history.
During his tenure, the Broncos won the 1997 Super League Grand Final and the 1998 and 2000 NRL Premierships.
But Shane’s contribution to the Broncos extended well beyond the success the Club enjoyed on the field.
He was a genuine rugby league person who cared enormously about the game and, most importantly, its people.
He built relationships easily and authentically, and was held in great affection by those who worked alongside him.
From the players and coaches to staff, members and supporters, as well as the media who dealt with him on a daily basis, Shane was universally liked and respected.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said Shane’s standing among those who knew him was perhaps the greatest reflection of his contribution to the Club.
“Whenever you speak to people who were at the Broncos during Shane’s time here, the first thing they talk about isn’t the premierships or his position as Managing Director, they talk about Shane as a person,” Donaghy said.
“He was someone people genuinely liked being around. He had a warmth and generosity about him and treated people well, regardless of their role or position. That’s why there is such genuine affection for Shane right across our Club and the game.
“He was at the helm during a really important period in the Broncos’ history and there’s no question he was incredibly proud of what the Club achieved, but I think his legacy is equally reflected in the relationships he built and maintained.”
While Shane’s professional career took him in other directions after leaving Red Hill in 2002, his connection with rugby league never left him.
He remained close to the game and to many of the people with whom he had shared his time at the Broncos, maintaining a genuine interest in the Club and its people.
“Shane never stopped being part of rugby league and he certainly never stopped being part of the Broncos,” Donaghy said.
“One of the special things about this Club is that the people who have helped shape it remain part of its story long after their official roles have finished. Shane is very much one of those people.
“On behalf of everyone at the Broncos, our thoughts are with Sue and the entire Edwards family. Shane made an enormous contribution to this Club, but more importantly, he made an enormous impression on the people within it.
“Shane and Sue will always be part of the Broncos family.”
