The Canberra Raiders and the Australian rugby league community is in mourning following the death of recruitment guru and former top-line coach Peter Mulholland.
Canberra issued a statement on Thursday to announce their recruitment and high-performance director had passed away following a lengthy battle with a rare form of blood cancer, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
A renowned coach at the junior level, Mulholland was at the helm for the Western Reds when they entered the premiership in 1995 and won 17 of 43 games during a two-season stint.
He spent the following season in the Super League coaching Paris St Germain before returning to Australia.
In 2003 he was on Penrith’s coaching staff as an assistant to John Lang when the Panthers won the grand final over the Roosters.
He joined the Raiders in 2015 and has been an instrumental part of the club’s recruitment and retention of players, throughout the pathway programs through to NRL level.
His involvement with the sport has spanned more than 50 years, as a player, coach, mentor, role model and friend to so many people across the game.
A true gentleman who gave his all to the game. Peter Mulholland was the best at finding and nurturing the stars we cheer for, but all along he was our true champion. Very sad x
— Yvonne O’Keefe (@VonOKeefe) December 16, 2021
Mulholland was a guiding light at the famous rugby league program at St Gregory’s Campbelltown from 1979-1993, before he was given the opportunity in Perth with the Reds.
He also worked with Canterbury, Newcastle and St George Illawarra in their recruitment and development programs over his distinguished career, helping to identify and launch countless NRL careers.
Raiders CEO Don Furner said the club was indebted to the work and commitment Mulholland had provided to the Raiders during his tenure, and despite his health battles, he always applied the same enthusiasm, drive, and passion towards what he loved doing, working in rugby league.
“The game has lost one of its greatest characters and we send our deepest sympathies to his wife Mel, his sons Heath and Ned and the entire Mulholland family at this very sad time,” Furner said.
“Peter Mulholland was one of the most loved and respected people in rugby league and there will be many wonderful stories and memories shared about him over the coming weeks.
“He was instrumental in turning around our clubs’ fortunes and helping us make the Grand Final with some of his astute and targeted recruitment.
“Pete’s love of rugby league and his passion for what he did is what made him such a unique and respected person in our game, and I know we will all be poorer for his passing.
“His time at the Raiders only makes up a very small portion of his rugby league career, but we will be forever indebted to what he brought to our club and what he was able to help us achieve during this time.”
“On behalf of all Raiders staff, players, coaches, families, members and fans we once again pass on our condolences to the Mulholland family and let them know he will never be forgotten by the Canberra Raiders.”
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