Former St George Illawarra and Cronulla rugby league player Lance Thompson has died.
The 40-year-old was found dead at an apartment on The Kingsway, Cronulla about 9pm on Thursday.
His death is not being treated as suspicious and there was no evidence of self harm, police say.
Thompson was reportedly found by his teenage daughter.
Australian Rugby League Commission chair 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 much-loved member of the rugby league community. Condolences to his family.”
Ashton Sims also used social media to pay tribute to his former St George Illawarra teammate .
“Total loss for words. Lance was one of the toughest forwards I’ve played with and looked after all of us young guys coming through the (Dragons),” the 33-year-old posted on Twitter.
Former Wests Tigers star Keith Galloway said the red-haired second rower was an idol of his growing up.
“One of my childhood favourites and a local hero who I looked up to and was lucky enough to get to know over the years, champion bloke and player,” he tweeted.
Thompson played 239 first grade games with the Dragons (201 matches) and Sharks (38).
He made his first grade debut as a 17-year-old with St George in round 13 1995 against Cronulla before he switched to the Sharks for the 2006 season.
The veteran backrower was forced into early retirement in 2008 as his body broke down after 14 years in the NRL.
At the time, Thompson was battling a knee injury and cited his long-term health and inability to keep up with his young daughter while having a backyard kick as reasons to call it quits at age 30.
He scored a try in his farewell game but Penrith spoiled a fairytale swan song with a 21-20 golden-point win.
A report into Thompson’s death will be prepared for the coroner.
Arcturus
Roar Rookie
Awful news. Champion player, in the sense of giving 100% each and every game. Gone too soon.
Pickett
Guest
Very sad news. Hard, honest player and seemed a good bloke.
Chivasdude
Guest
Heart and Soul. RIP.
Kangas
Roar Rookie
Really sad news.
Roger
Guest
Faaarrk, way too young. Thoughts are with his family.
Wayne Turner
Guest
Sad to hear this :( So young :( RIP LANCE :(
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Turned on the car radio this morning and they were joking about red heads and Lance Thompson. Changed the station to hear he had passed and I was genuinely saddened. Not a Dragon or Sharks fan, but I always liked him from a far and he was one of those guys that I don't recall ever hearing any negative stories about (published or otherwise). Very sad.
Concerned Observer
Guest
Hey mate, best to not speculate on the cause hey, the Police and the family may eventually release a statement but it’s not our place to publicly dissect the death of someone hours after they were found.
Jay Wright
Roar Rookie
Tragic news, always liked Thompson. He also had a 2-1 record in the boxing ring. Maybe current players like Fifta would benefit from taking a leaf out of Thompson how to conduct yourself at all times book. Rip Thompson you will be missed. The worst thing about this article is that his daughter found him, hope she gets the support she needs. Thoughts and prayers with his family
Birdy
Guest
A true worker, would never let his team mates down. 40, what a shock! RIP great man. His daughter found him, hope she's being looked after.
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
RIP champ. Great player and person. Wore the Red-V with pride!
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
Very Sad....RIP
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Thoughts and prayers are with Lance Thompson’s family. A true Dragons great, just so sad.
Atawhai Drive
Roar Guru
That's true, but it's not the case here. No evidence of self harm, according to the police.
Greg
Guest
Gone too soon at only age 40. While I'll remember him for being a great player, I'll also never forget his part in one of the funniest things I've ever seen on a footy field. Clearly stumbling and falling over, Browny decides that he'll pass the ball to him anyway https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwastO73KVU
Working Class Rugger
Guest
It's quite frightening how many blokes I've known who've struggled with their own personal demons in their lives after football.
KingCowboy
Guest
Guy was hard as nails. RIP sir!!!
Nat
Roar Guru
Terrible news. Never heard a peep of the bloke off the field and I will always respect what he bought to the field. Thanks for the memories.
kk
Guest
The news you don't want to believe is true. Lance Thompson the unforgettable.
Atawhai Drive
Roar Guru
Police have said that the death is not being treated as suspicious. Normally, that is code for suicide. But in other reports, police have been quoted as saying that there is 'no evidence of self-harm'. Probably a medical episode, then. Unusual for a man of 40, but not unprecedented.