Vale Warren Smith OAM

Warren will be farewelled at a funeral service at the North Chapel at Pinegrove Memorial Park at 2pm on Tuesday, 30 December.

His journey with Saints began four decades ago, with Warren's commitment and passion for the football club and registered club paving the way for future generations.

He was appointed Secretary of the St Marys Junior Rugby League Committee in 1985 at a time when the Club fielded just 14 teams and had no sponsors.

Under his leadership, the junior league expanded significantly, and by the time he retired the Club was fielding 56 teams and had secured premierships in the NSW Rugby League Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions.

Warren was elected to the Board of the registered club in 1986 and over the next 38 years — including 35 as President — he guided the Club through a period of unprecedented growth and achievement.

He spearheaded major developments that transformed the Club’s footprint and its future, including St Marys Leagues Stadium, the Holiday Inn St Marys, and more recently the Western Foyer and Saints Events Centre development.

Warren’s outstanding service was recognised with Life Membership in 1999, followed by a distinguished list of honours including the Australian Sports Medal, Lindsay Sports Volunteer of the Year, NSW Rugby League Volunteer of the Year, Sports NSW Distinguished Long Service Award, and Leagues Clubs Australia Life Membership and Jack Martin Award.

His most prestigious recognition came in 2017, when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his service to rugby league and the community.

He told News Corp at the time: “I’m pretty honoured to have received the OAM. It was a big shock. I don’t do it for the awards; I do it because I love it.”

Away from rugby league, Warren participated in the annual Variety Bash for more than 20 years, raising more than $1.3 million for charity. 

In 2024 he retired from the Board and continued to serve the Club as a Life Member and as the Club’s inaugural Patron.

“Warren’s lifelong dedication to the game of rugby league, his beloved Saints and the wider community leaves an enduring impact and a remarkable legacy, one that will continue to inspire us all,” said St Marys Rugby League Club in a statement. 

“Rest in peace Warren. You will forever be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing you.”