Rugby league legend Paul Langmack has died at the age of 61. His passing was announced on Sydney's 2GB radio on Thursday morning.
It is understood Langmack suffered a heart attack while in a sauna and could not be revived. Tributes have poured in from former teammates and those in the sport.
Darryl Brohman, a former teammate at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, described Langmack as a "wonderful player" with a "very smart football brain" who deserved more accolades. Brohman noted that Langmack had health issues but had been working on his fitness prior to his death.
Langmack played over 300 first-grade games for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Western Suburbs, and the Sydney Roosters between 1983 and 1999. He was part of the Bulldogs' premiership-winning teams in 1984, 1985, and 1988. A skilled lock, he represented New South Wales four times and toured with the Australian Kangaroos in 1986, though he did not play in a Test match.
He was a key member of the Bulldogs' 'Dogs of War' team, known for his toughness, versatility, and defense. Langmack debuted at 17 and was known for his colorful stories from his playing days, including anecdotes about unconventional coaching methods and memorable post-premiership celebrations. After retiring from playing, he moved into coaching, leading South Sydney in 2003 and 2004.
Craig Laundy, representing the Bulldogs' major sponsor Laundy Hotels, also paid tribute, calling Langmack a "great long-term friend of the Laundy family" and an "absolute tragedy."