LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
The King's Birthday honours have recognized 14 members of the rugby league community, with Gene Miles receiving the highest accolade.
Miles, an NRL Hall of Fame member and 14-Test Kangaroo international, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to youth and rugby league.
His career spanned 12 years and included 320 first-class games with Wynnum-Manly, Brisbane Broncos, and Wigan.
Currently, he serves as the executive Chair of the Former Origin Greats (FOGs) and has been the Chair of Selectors for the Queensland Rugby League State of Origin team since 2017, having begun his selector role in 2001.
Other notable figures from the rugby league community also received honours.
Rick Penn, the patriarch of the Penn family who owns the Sea Eagles, was awarded an AM for his significant charitable contributions.
Clive Berghofer, a benefactor of the Broncos, was recognized with an elevation to Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to the Queensland community through philanthropy in health, emergency services, and education.
Furthermore, several other individuals within the rugby league community were acknowledged for their substantial contributions across sport, education, and local service organizations in their regions.