One of the most respected figures in Australian rugby league administration, Bob Millward OAM, has retired from the Steelers Board after an extraordinary 60 years of service to the game in the Illawarra region and beyond.
Known throughout rugby league as “Bobby Steeler”, Millward first became involved with the Illawarra Rugby League as a club delegate in 1966 before embarking on a career that helped shape the sport across the Illawarra and New South Wales.
He became the first full-time Chief Executive Officer of the Illawarra Steelers, a foundation director of the St George Illawarra Dragons, and served on the Board of the New South Wales Rugby League from 1995, most recently as President, making him the longest-serving director in the organisation’s history.
Millward also served as Team Manager of the NSW State of Origin and Australian Kangaroos teams and has been recognised with Life Membership of the Illawarra Rugby League, Illawarra Steelers and NSW Rugby League. In 2007, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his outstanding service to rugby league.
Illawarra Steelers Chairman Graeme Gulloch said Millward’s contribution to the game would leave a lasting legacy.
“Bob Millward’s contribution to rugby league is simply extraordinary. For six decades he has served the game with integrity, humility and an unwavering commitment to making rugby league stronger,” Gulloch said.
“His leadership has helped shape the Illawarra Steelers, the St George Illawarra Dragons and the NSW Rugby League. On behalf of everyone at the Steelers, we thank Bob for his remarkable service and wish him every happiness in retirement.”
Reflecting on his career, Millward said the greatest reward had been the people he met along the way.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to spend a lifetime involved in a game I love and to work alongside so many wonderful people,” Millward said.
“Rugby league has given me lifelong friendships and memories that I’ll always treasure. It’s been a privilege to contribute to the game, and while I’m retiring from official duties, I’ll always be a passionate supporter of the Steelers and rugby league.”
Although Millward officially stood down from the Illawarra Steelers board on Friday, 24 July, he will still maintain his involvement with the club and serve as President of NSWRL.
“I’ve been doing a lot of special projects for Rugby League in the Illawarra and on the south coast and if I can throw a few more years behind that I’ll have been satisfied,” Millward said.
ROBERT MILLWARD, OAM
1966: Became a Collegians delegate to Illawarra Rugby League (IRL)
1974: Elected IRL Assistant Secretary
1976: Elected IRL Hon. Secretary
1979: Appointed IRL first full-time Secretary
1981: Appointed initial Illawarra Steelers full-time CEO
1995: Appointed a Director of NSW Rugby League (Longest serving tenure)
1988-91: NSW State of Origin Manager
1991: Australian Test Team Manager – 3 Test series vs New Zealand
1996-98: ARL/NRL Director
1998-2018: Foundation Director St. George Illawarra Dragons
1999: Interim CEO, St. George Illawarra Dragons
2010-12: Chair, IRL Centenary Committee
2000: Awarded Australian Sports Medal
2007: Awarded Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
*Life Member: Illawarra Rugby League, Illawarra Steelers, NSW Rugby League
*Current President: NSW Rugby League