Steve ‘Bear’ Hall, an instrumental figure within Indigenous rugby league

Steve ‘Bear’ Hall was an instrumental figure across numerous aspects of rugby league, none more so than within the Indigenous community. He played an integral role in kick starting the under-16 Indigenous program in 2003 and was the driving force behind the annual Rick Walford Shield. His dedication to supporting the Aboriginal community did not stop there, as he is also responsible for establishing a series of camps and competitions to create opportunities for young Indigenous boys and girls.

Men of League Foundation NSW State Manager Bruce Walker made comment about Bear’s incredible willingess to help others.

“When I worked for NSWRL, I ran a program for Indigenous children in partnership with Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service’s at Mt Druitt. When asked, Steve would turn up with lots of NRL merchandise to hand out as well as prizes,” Bruce said.

Bear worked in rugby league for over 25 years and held roles which included coaching, player development and mentoring with the NSWRL, Western Suburbs and Wests Tigers, who he still avidly supports today!

Although he worked in the city later on in his life, Steve was a good player in his heyday and represented clubs in the country such as the Walgett Dragons, Coonamble Bears, Dubbo Macquarie Raiders and Mendooran Tigers, before capping off his career as Captain-Coach of Dubbo CYMS.

Of late, Bear has been living with cancer. His mindset remains positive and had a great time catching up with his old colleague Bruce Walker and Southern Sydney Committee President Terry Hughes.