St Marys Leagues Club President Warren Smith will end his 38-year tenure at the end of the month, after announcing his retirement.
Smith, who has been President for 35 of those years, confirmed the news at the club’s season launch over the weekend.
“What the Board and those that came before us have collectively created, on and off the field at Saints is truly something special, it’s something I’m immensely proud of,” Smith said.
“I strongly believe that you should always try and end on a high note and looking at the Club now, I could not think of a more fitting time for me to step aside and hand the reigns over to the next generation of Saints.”
David Cartwright will take over as President.
Under Smith’s stewardship, the club has witnessed remarkable growth including the impressive $25 million Western Foyer Development, Saints Sports Bar and Saints Event Centre, and the 4-star Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys.
Smith highlighted the evolution of the club’s rugby league operations and facilities over its impressive 116-year history, attributing its success to the collective efforts of the Board, staff, sponsors, volunteers, and members.
Rod Desborough, CEO of St Marys Rugby League Club, paid tribute to Smith’s remarkable tenure and credited his leadership for the Club’s unprecedented growth and success.
“I know Warren considers it an honour and privilege to be President of the Club, but I consider it an honour and privilege to have had Warren as my President,” Desborough said.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
