Overview
Adam Maher (2 August 1972 – 25 February 2020) was an Australian professional rugby league footballer who played in both Australia and the United Kingdom. He began his senior career in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition before moving to play for several British clubs. Maher is remembered for his durability and for reaching the milestone of 100 first-team appearances with Hull F.C. during the early years of the Super League era.
Playing career
Maher made his first notable appearances in the NSWRL with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, where he featured in six first-grade matches during the 1994 season. After several years away from top-tier Australian competition he continued his career in the UK, joining a sequence of clubs that included smaller and emerging sides as well as an established Super League team.
- Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks — six appearances in 1994 (NSWRL)
- Rochdale Hornets — 1998
- Gateshead Thunder — 1999
- Hull F.C. — 2000–2003; 100 appearances, 25 tries
Style and contributions
Though not a household name internationally, Maher earned respect at club level for consistent performances and for adapting to the different demands of English rugby league. His spell at Hull F.C. coincided with the club's participation in the Super League, and making 100 appearances for a single club is a marker of reliability and value to teammates and coaches. He contributed offensively as well, scoring 25 tries during his time at Hull.
Illness and death
In late 2018 Maher received a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND), a progressive neurological condition that affects nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles. The diagnosis was made public and prompted support from former clubs and the rugby league community. Maher died on 25 February 2020 at the age of 47. Reports of his illness and its impact appeared in several outlets; see further coverage here.
Legacy and remembrance
After his death Maher was remembered by teammates, clubs and supporters for his commitment on the field and the personal courage shown during his illness. His career is an example of the many professional players whose steady contributions underpin club histories even if they do not always attract wide media attention. For more on the clubs he represented and their histories, see links relating to his Australian and British playing periods.