Shock over death of former NRL player
SYDNEY: Rugby league identities have reacted with shock following the sudden death of former St George Illawarra and Cronulla player Lance Thompson.
The 40yearold was found dead at an apartment on The Kingsway, Cronulla about 9pm on Thursday, reportedly by his teenage daughter.
His death is not being treated as suspicious and there was no evidence of selfharm, police say.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter Beattie has led tributes for Thompson, saying his death was a loss to the sport.
‘‘A very sad day for rugby league with the passing of NRL star Lance Thompson,’’ Beattie tweeted.
‘‘A muchloved member of the rugby league community. Condolen ces to his family.’’
Thompson will be remembered at the Dragons’ final game for the season tomorrow, against Canterbury in Kogarah, when the players will wear black armbands.
The City Origin representative played alongside current coach Paul McGregor at the merged club between 1999 and 2001.
‘‘Lance was a colourful, earnest rugby league character and a loyal friend of many at the Dragons,’’ Dragons chief executive Peter Doust said.
‘‘We are all are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of his passing and our thoughts are with his family.’’
His loss has been felt heavily at the Sharks, where he played between 20068.
Coach Shane Flanagan was an assistant coach at the club for Thompson’s final two years in the NRL, while Paul Gallen was captain and Jayson Bukuya was a youngster in the squad.
‘‘The club is deeply saddened by Lance’s passing. He was loved and respected by all at the club and our prayers and thoughts go out to his family,’’ Sharks chief executive Barry Russell said.
Manly coach Trent Barrett, Newcastle coach Nathan Brown and NRL referee Henry Perenara are among others to have played alongside him.
Perenara is listed to officiate at the Dragons’ game against the Bulldogs.
Other former teammates also took to social media to pay tribute.
‘‘My thoughts and prayers are with the Thompson family,’’ Anthony Mundine posted on Twitter. ‘‘Thommo was one of the most genuine people I have known who cared for his family and friends RIP my brother.’’
Making his firstgrade debut at 17, Thompson played 239 firstgrade games, 201 with the Dragons and 38 with the Sharks.
The veteran backrower went into retirement in 2008, his body having taken a beating after 14 years in the NRL.
At the time, Thompson was battling a knee injury and cited his longterm health and inability to keep up with his young daughter as reasons to call it quits at age 30, while he was later diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
A report into Thompson’s death will be prepared for the coroner. — AAP