Former Penrith Panthers Assistant Coach Peter Mulholland has passed away after a long battle with cancer.
The Canberra Raiders, where he was working as Recruitment and High Performance Director, confirmed his passing a short time ago.
Mulholland joined Penrith in 1999 to work alongside coach Royce Simmons.
He would help guide the club to the 2000 Finals and was alongside John Lang for the Premiership-winning 2003 season.
RIP Peter Mulholland
Thank you for your contribution to the Panthers and our 2003 Premiership pic.twitter.com/Kkj7JmsFv1
— Dazza_20 (@Dazza_20) December 16, 2021
He went on to work extensively in recruitment at the Panthers and was at one stage appointed Special Projects Director.
He also worked as Community Development Manager for a period – a common role in NRL clubs now, but a code-first in the mid-2000s.
Mulholland was also instrumental in setting up the Panthers on the Prowl community development program.
He moved on from the Panthers in 2008, joining Canterbury. He has worked at the Raiders since 2015.
“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,” Raiders CEO Don 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.”
Sad to hear Peter Mulholland has died after a long battle with cancer. He kept fighting & refused to let it beat him but we all have a breaking point. He was a good man, and a good rugby league man. He will be missed. Condolences to his family & many friends. #RIPSkull 💀
— Brett Keeble (@BrettKeeble) December 16, 2021
Troy Dodds
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.