Canterbury-Bankstown triple premiership winner Paul Langmack has died aged 61.
The club confirmed the death of the former Bulldogs, Western Suburbs and Sydney player, who represented New South Wales in four State of Origin matches.
After his playing career, at the end of the 1999 season, Langmack became an assistant coach at Wests Tigers, then head coach of South Sydney in 2003 and 2004.
“I am devastated to learn of Paul’s sudden passing this morning,” rugby league great Phil Gould said.
“He was a larger-than-life character. Paul was energetic, bubbly and enthusiastic.
“He loved his rugby league. He was so loyal to his many teammates and ex-coaches over the years. He loved them all.
“Paul also started many mental health support programs to help young kids, plus both current and former players.
“He was always thinking of other people. This is a significant loss to so many.”
Phil Gould (left) and Paul Langmack (right) celebrate Canterbury-Bankstown’s 1988 NSWRL grand final win over Balmain. (NRL.com)
Langmack’s 174-game stint at the Bulldogs during the 80s was headlined by premiership wins in 1984, 1985 and 1988.
In total, he played 314 first grade matches in Australia, as well as 19 for Halifax in England.
Langmack was part of Australia’s 1986 tour of Great Britain and France, playing 10 tour matches, but no Tests.
Benny Elias played alongside Langmack for NSW and on the 1986 Kangaroos’s tour, as well as against him in the 1988 grand final.
Speaking to ABC Sport, Elias said the rugby league community will be saddened by the loss of a man who gave so much on and off the field.
“His name in rugby league will be forever remembered and always respected and regarded” Elias said.
“He was a champion of a player, champion of a man, and to see someone die so young is very sad.”
Langmack had previously had cancer, and was an active member of the community.
He was passionate about mental health, working on programs with the NSW Rugby League.
“The greatest thing is philanthropy, and when you give your time back to people, and you help other people in society, in the community, it’s certainly a real big tick,” Elias said.
“That’s what Paul did.”
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