Aussie footy great dies after playing for Queensland and excelling as a coach during career that spanned more than 50 years

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 chief executive of the now-defunct South Queensland Crushers, was also a useful player in his heyday.

Van de Velde was picked in the Queensland representative team in 1977 before the former Easts, Souths and Redcliffe star in Brisbane turned his attention to coaching.

He guided Redcliffe to consecutive premierships before heading to England, where he was in charge of Castleford, Huddersfield and Warrington.

Next up was returning to the Sunshine State to help establish the League Men after his tenure in charge of the Crushers.

Van de Velde also served on the QRL board of directors for more than a decade, where he excelled as state-level competition director.

QRL President Bruce Hatcher offered his condolences to Van de Velde’s family and close friends, including Broncos great Allan Langer.

“Darryl achieved many wonderful things and was highly respected within the rugby league community,” Hatcher said.

“It can be a difficult game at the best of times, so to be able to play, coach and serve as an administrator at such a high level for many years is a testament to his character and love of the game.

“His passion for rugby league, particularly in Queensland, was always evident in the boardroom and in his numerous travels and endeavors across the state.”

English league identity Lee Crooks credited Van de Velde with “changing his life” shortly after he signed for Castleford in the early 1990s following a troubled spell at Leeds.

Ipswich Jets president Steve Johnson said news corporation Van de Velde will be remembered as a man who had an eye for elite talent, as well as his tough but fair nature.

“He knew the game very well,” Johnson said.

‘He knew the basics of rugby league and was always strong in protecting the structure of the game.

‘Darryl was very talented in all facets of the game. He was [also] the guy who believed Billy Slater would make a good State of Origin coach, which has proven to be the correct assessment.

“Darryl wasn’t afraid to make an unpopular decision, as long as it was the right and fair decision.”