Sunshine Coast Falcons chairman Ashley Robinson is stepping down from the rugby league club’s board after 12 years in the role.
Robinson joined the Falcons as chairman at the beginning of the 2014 season and has overseen the club’s continued growth, including affiliations with the Melbourne Storm and now Brisbane Broncos.
He said it had been a “rollercoaster ride” but that the time was right to step back.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Falcons over the last 12 years,” he said.
“To see so many local juniors come through the club and go on to NRL clubs or play high-level Queensland Cup or BMD Premiership week to week has been amazing and something that I’m extremely proud of.
“Off the field, to see the club grow in the community, as well as commercially, has been just as exciting and I would like to thank the QRL, Sunshine Coast Council, state government and all of the Falcons staff, sponsors and supporters for their ongoing support over the years.”
When Robinson joined as chairman in 2014, the club didn’t have an NRL feeder team and was anchored to the bottom of the Queensland Cup ladder. But later that year the Falcons signed a feeder agreement with the Melbourne Storm and began rebuilding into a competitive force, rarely missing the finals during his tenure.
The team reached the Queensland Cup grand final in 2017, only to be defeated on the bell by the PNG Hunters at Suncorp Stadium.
In 2019, with Harry Grant, Todd Murphy, Dane Hogan, Nicho Hynes and Justin Olam leading the charge, the Falcons broke the record for the most wins to start a season, with 14 in a row, and went on to take out the Queensland Cup minor premiership as well as winning the Colts under-20s grand final. The Falcons won their inaugural club championship that same year.
“Ashley’s passion, commitment and dedication to the Falcons has been nothing short of amazing and we can’t thank him enough for the time and effort that he has put into this football club,” CEO Chris Flannery said.
“There’s no doubt that he has left the club in a much better position than when he got here and I’d personally like to thank him for his guidance and support over the last 12 years.
“I’ve learnt many life lessons from Ashley over the years that will serve me well in the future. He’s been a great mentor and friend, and we will certainly miss him at the club.”
Former Falcons captain Patrice Siolo said Robinson’s influence extended far beyond the football field, praising his genuine care for both the club’s people and its reputation.
“When first arriving to the club after completing a Melbourne Storm preseason, I was situated in Brisbane, travelling to Wynnum for work and then back to the Sunshine Coast in the evenings for footy training,” he said.
“I was really struggling and thinking of heading back home to Sydney as finding accommodation and employment on the Sunshine Coast was becoming taxing on my mind and body.”
A chance conversation with Robinson before a game proved life-changing.
After bumping into him in the sheds and sharing how he was adjusting to Queensland, Robinson used his networks to help — securing accommodation within a week.
“That house took care of not only me but a few former Falcons. To name a couple, Paul Ulburg now playing in the Super League for Tolouse Olympic, and big Lazarus Vaalepu who’s now at the Melbourne Storm,” he said.
He said Robinson’s support had a lasting impact on several players’ careers.
“I am just glad to have spoken to Ash that day as he helped not only me, but former team mates to establish themselves in the QLD Cup and secure contracts at the next level,” he said.
“I don’t think there is any way we can repay him, other than saying thank you, you helped some young men succeed in chasing their childhood dreams.”
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Robinson – who also writes a weekly column for Sunshine Coast News – also acknowledged the support he’d received in the role.
“I would also like to thank Shane O’Brien and his team at Vantage for their undying support, the rugby league and wider community, and Chris Flannery for their support of our club and our game. I wish the new chair and new board members the very best of luck,” he said.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the Falcons board of directors for their support and commitment over the years. It’s been a rollercoaster ride, but we have always made it back to the top.”
Robinson will still be involved as the patron of the club. A new chair will be named in coming days.
