{"id":953036,"date":"2026-11-05T03:22:20","date_gmt":"2026-11-05T03:22:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/953036\/"},"modified":"2026-11-05T03:22:20","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T03:22:20","slug":"rugby-league-legend-paul-langmack-dead-at-61","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/953036\/","title":{"rendered":"Rugby league legend Paul Langmack dead at 61"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rugby league great Paul Langmack has died of a heart attack aged 61.<\/p>\n

The three-time premiership winner and member of the 300-game club had a decorated career with Canterbury, Western Suburbs and the Roosters before he transitioned into coaching where he led the Rabbitohs for two seasons. <\/p>\n

Langmack was a key member of Canterbury\u2019s feared pack in the 1980s, the famed \u2018Dogs of War\u2019, and did a mountain of community work after his rugby league career ended.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul was a larger-than-life character,\u201d Australian Rugby League Commission executive chairman Peter V\u2019landys said. <\/p>\n

\u201cYou always knew \u2018Langers\u2019 was in the room. He was incredibly funny, hugely popular and passionate.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a player he was tough, but he had the skills as well. And he loved the game so much he just wanted to be involved in it, whether it be playing, coaching or, in recent years, working with the NSWRL in their community and mental health programs. He always wanted to help people.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn behalf of the Commission, I extend our condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.\u201d<\/p>\n

The brilliant ball-playing forward won a title in just his second season with the Bulldogs in 1984 before going on to win another two grand finals in 1985 and 1988.<\/p>\n

Langmack played 314 first-grade matches, four Origins and represented Australia 10 times. <\/p>\n

Tributes have flowed for a man who worked tirelessly in the mental health space.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe just loved life \u2026 he was just an outstanding footballer, a great friend and very loyal,\u201d former Bulldogs teammate Darryl Brohman told 2GB\u2019s Mark Levy.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just a massive loss to the rugby league community and the Bulldogs particularly.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Bulldogs released an emotional statement on Thursday morning, with Langmack awarded life membership of the club in 2011 for his contributions as a player and ambassador. <\/p>\n

He played 174 games across eight seasons for the team and was described as a \u201cclub great and a catalyst for success throughout the 1980s era\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am devastated to learn of Paul\u2019s sudden passing this morning,\u201d former teammate and Bulldogs general manager of football Phil Gould said.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul would contact me every day of the week about something to do with rugby league. I\u2019m going to miss those calls and messages.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m particularly devastated for his sister Diane, who has been my personal assistant for the past 15 years.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul worked with the NSWRL for many years supporting the game. In recent times he volunteered his time to so many Bulldogs community initiatives.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cA true Bulldog.\u201d<\/p>\n

Originally published as Three-time premiership winner Paul Langmack has died suddenly<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Rugby league great Paul Langmack has died of a heart attack aged 61. 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