Former Cronulla Sharks pioneer and influential rugby league administrator Bob Abbott has died, aged 90.
Abbott, who was the Sharks' first delegate to the NSW Rugby League board in 1967, became Australian Rugby League general manager in 1983.
Heralded for his role in creating the State of Origin concept, he was also instrumental in the push for increasing four-tackle sets to six while at the NSWRL in the 1970s.
Abbott also played a significant role in modernising the game in the 1980s, revolutionising pre-match grand final entertainment and pushing the game into the Pacific.
"Bob was an important figure in the central administration of the game for 20 years," NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said.
"He was deputy chairman of Cronulla in 1967, became vice-president of the NSWRL in 1977 and was appointed general manager of the ARL in 1983.
"He was and always will be a vital part of Rugby League's progression."
At a club level, Abbott was instrumental in signing two of the Sharks' highest-profile players, Tommy Bishop and Cliff Watson, who were picked at halfback and prop in Cronulla's 50-year team.
"I want to express our deepest gratitude to Bob on behalf of our current board but also from all past chairman and directors, for his vision, his passion and the legacy that he left behind, one which is not only about the Sharks but also recognises his contribution to the game of rugby league," Cronulla chairman Dino Mezzatesta said
"Bob was responsible for many wonderful initiatives in making the game better and at the same time the Sutherland Shire a better rugby league community."
