The Rugby League Players Association extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Steven Harker AM.
An incredible friend, confidante, and support to many people at the RLPA, Steven passed away last week following a long health battle.
Steven was appointed Chair of the RLPA Board in 2025 and was a Director since 2021. During that period, Steven served the members of the RLPA proudly and boldly and was a key member of the bargaining team during the final round of negotiations for the current collective bargaining agreement in 2023.
Steve was a remarkable person and very much a father figure for me, and his passing deeply saddens me,” said Clint Newton, CEO of the RLPA.
“A person of great judgement, integrity, courage, resilience and generosity, the RLPA was fortunate to benefit from Steve’s leadership and counsel. He brought enormous experience, strength, perspective and care to our organisation, and his contribution helped strengthen the RLPA and the work we do for players.
“Beyond his remarkable business career, public life and community service dating back to his steel workers union roots, Steve will be remembered by us for his humility, warmth, humour, and willingness to give his time to others.
“Words cannot describe our gratitude for Steve’s time and contribution to the RLPA and players. Our thoughts are with Steven’s wife Linda, his daughters Clare and Rachel, his grandchildren Luca, Milla, Harrison and Harper, and everyone who loved and knew him.”
Many of the benefits, entitlements and rights of current players, past players, and the RLPA are in many ways thanks to the expert contributions of Steven. He has left a lasting legacy in rugby league for current and future generations.
“On behalf of the players, we are grateful for the strength, care and leadership Steven gave to us, and our thoughts are with his family and everyone close to him,” said Felise Kaufusi, General President of the RLPA.
“Steven was someone who cared about people and players and always had our best interests and the RLPA’s at heart. He will be missed.”
Mr. Harker was appointed Chairman of the Investment and Executive Committees at Future Now Capital in 2020 and was Non-Executive Director, Westpac Group until 2021. Prior to that, he was Vice-Chairman of Morgan Stanley Australia from October 2016 to February 2019 and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Stanley Australia from 1998 to 2016.
In 2022, Mr. Harker was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his services to banking and the community.
