The rugby league community is in mourning following the sudden death of former Kangaroos centre Terry Hill from an apparent heart attack in the Philippines.
Hill was 52. The colourful character, who went on to have a long-time role on The Footy Show with his larger-than-life persona, was one of the most recognisable players in the 1990s and early 2000s in a career which reached the heights of the game.
A powerful centre, he played 246 first-grade matches from 1990-2005, represented NSW in 14 State of Origin matches and played for Australia in eight Tests, including the victorious 1995 World Cup campaign.
Best known for his stint at Manly where he was part of the 1996 premiership-winning team, “Tezza” was a punishing defender and strong attacker out wide wherever he played.
“Terry was a much loved and respected figure at not only the Sea Eagles, but across rugby league, where he played for several clubs,” Manly CEO Tony Mestrov said.
“On behalf of everyone at the Sea Eagles, we offer our deepest and sincere condolences to Terry’s family and friends during this difficult time.
“Terry will always be fondly remembered at Manly.”
Geoff Toovey, who captained Hill in the 1996 premiership team, said: “Terry was a great player for Manly.
“He was a good friend. He did a lot of good things for his team-mates. My sincere condolences to his family.”
He started his career at South Sydney in 1990 and was controversially signed by Easts the following year but successfully challenged the legality of the player draft that was in place at the time in court which led to the abolition of the transfer system after just one year.
Hill then had two seasons with Wests before joining Manly in 1994 under coach Bob Fulton.
He left the club in 2000 to be a foundation member of the Wests Tigers joint venture before finishing his career back at the Sea Eagles in 2005.
Tributes came in from the league community, and the greyhound industry where he was an owner and passionate advocate of the sport.
“Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW), and in fact the entire greyhound racing community, is deeply saddened today by this tragic news of the passing of Terry Hill,” GRNSW Chief Executive Officer Rob Macaulay said.
“Terry was one of the great assets of the greyhound industry. He has been a lifelong supporter of greyhound racing, has owned some wonderful champion greyhounds along the way, and more importantly, his passion for the sport was infectious.
“Terry had great enthusiasm for greyhound racing and was responsible for helping the sport to attract widespread media coverage in the 1990s with his live television crosses to Dapto on a Thursday night during the Channel Nine Footy Show to watch his greyhound Nads race.
“Years later Terry said he would be stopped on The Corso at Manly not to be asked about his football career, but to chat about Nads and the racetrack he loved, Dapto.”
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Terrible news :unhappy: . yet what angers me is how many of these surprises I run across these days, from public figures and friends and family. You aren't supposed to raise this, yet I can't help but question the impact of jabs and boosters.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
And Steve Knight
Lukestar
Roar Rookie
One of the game's real characters and his combo with Craig Innes is one of a few great centre pairings for Manly.
Richie
Roar Rookie
He was a funny bugger in an era of great piss takes. Many fond memories.
Robbo
Roar Rookie
RIP "Tetha"
Phil
Roar Rookie
Ray Brown, John Ribot and John Dorahy were others.
Khun Phil
Roar Rookie
Yes,his jokes were terrible but you couldn't help but laugh at his delivery.RIP Terry.
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
One of few to play for the "Fibros" & the "Silvertails" Les Boyd the only other I can think of/
FourwingSweepa
Roar Rookie
You forgot about no nads
NQR
Roar Rookie
Real character of the 90’s era. RIP Terry Hill. One of the iconic Origin images of him and Tallis nose to nose.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I was only wondering about him the other day and what he was up to. Sad news and a big shock. Half a century used to be a fair innings but it's not these days.
Passit2me
Roar Rookie
Oh man, very shocked at this, so sad :unhappy:
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Tragic loss. He gave Manly, NSW and Roos fans plenty to cheer about, not to mention Wests, Roosters, Tigers and Souths. Great competitor with a stellar career. RIP
steveng
Roar Rookie
RIP Terry Hill as its way too young an age to lose your life to a heart attack, enjoyed his Footy Show stints as I'm sure he gave millions of viewers allot of laughs, will be greatly missed in the RL community, rest in peace Terry!
DavMan
Roar Rookie
What a terrible shock this is. I still remember he scored one of the great tries against the Roosters (who I think he debuted with) in a Monday night game in '97. Used power and speed to get on the outside of 3 defenders to score in the corner, then got up and gave the Easts players a literal spray. Vintage Tezza. He was a great servant to Manly and will be missed. Vale.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I hate getting hit out of the blue with news like this Even from a distance these guys have been a huge part of our lives. 52 is too young. Condolences to his family and friends…
Albo
Roar Rookie
Go Nads !
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
I just read the story elsewhere and was shocked. Terry Hill gone at 52 yrs old. Too soon. Too young. R.I.P. champ. Commiserations to his family.