Rugby league legend Paul Langmack dies at 61

Rugby league legend Paul Langmack has died from a heart attack at the age of 61.

Langmack won three premierships as a ball-playing forward and five-eighth with Canterbury in an illustrious 314-game first-grade career that also included time with the Magpies and Roosters. He also spent two seasons playing for Halifax in the Super League.

Former Bulldogs star Paul Langmack.Mark Douglas Baker/Fairfax MediaA NSW Blues representative, Langmack also coached South Sydney in 2003 and the first part of the 2004 season before Arthur Kitinas took over.

“Langers” was one of rugby league’s characters, affectionately known as “Yesterday’s Hero” after appearances on The Footy Show.

“I am devastated to learn of Paul’s sudden passing this morning,” said Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould.

“Paul would contact me every day of the week about something to do with rugby league. I’m going to miss those calls and messages.

“I’m particularly devastated for his sister Diane, who has been my personal assistant for the past 15 years. Paul worked with the NSWRL for many years supporting the game. In recent times, he volunteered his time to so many Bulldogs community initiatives.

Paul Langmack on the Rabbitohs bench with Russell Crowe.Tim Clayton“He 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.

“Paul 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. A true Bulldog.”

Australian coach Kevin Walters played against Langmack, loved watching him on the 1986 Kangaroos’ tour, and confirmed the players would wear black armbands on Sunday night against Samoa as a mark of respect.

“I played against him, you knew he was on the field, he was tough but also chirpy – he used to give a lot of lip to players, then he’d have that cheeky smile after he gave you a serve,” Walters said.

“He was a great player but more importantly a really good person. He never took him too seriously. It’s a sad day.

“We’ll certainly remember him in the best way possible with a really strong performance for the Kangaroos on Sunday night. We’ll certainly be wearing a black armband for him – he served the Kangaroos really well, and the spot of rugby league.”

NRL executive chairman Peter V’landys also paid tribute to Langmack.

“Paul was a larger-than-life character,” V’landys said. “You always knew ‘Langers’ was in the room. He was incredibly funny, hugely popular and passionate.

“As 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.

“On behalf of the commission, I extend our condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.”

Penrith legend Greg Alexander, who played with Langmack during the 1986 Kangaroos tour, paid tribute to his close friend.

“He had such a good heart,” Alexander told SEN radio on Wednesday morning.

Langmack and Phil Gould celebrating Canterbury’s 1988 grand final win.Fairfax Media“That was never more evident than over the last six to 10 years in the help he offered people. He went through his own tough times and realised, ‘This is what I should be doing – helping people who aren’t feeling good about themselves.’ A very selfless guy and a great character.”

Alexander said he attended Patrician Brothers Fairfield because it was the school Langmack went to while captaining the Australian schoolboys side.

“What he did do and where he made the most impact was what he did for other people,” Alexander said.

“So much so that I found out this morning at about 8.20am, almost immediately, through a WhatsApp group that Paul started this year called ‘Yesterday’s Heroes.’

“There we go, ‘Yesterday’s Heroes,’ which has more than 100 former NRL players as part of the group who chat about different things. Paul started this, and in that WhatsApp group, we were informed by Joey Thomas, a former Bulldog and great mate, that Paul had suffered a massive heart attack and couldn’t be revived.

Langmack during his time at Wests. Steve Christo“He was also part of another WhatsApp group that I’m in: the 1986 Kangaroos group. That group only started about a month ago because we’re celebrating 40 years as the ’86 Tourists and going to the World Cup final.

“Paul had just replied to Paul Dunn, who is organising flights and arrangements for all the players. At 10 to 6 this morning, Paul Langmack got onto the group chat and said, ‘Dunny, you’ve got to sort me out; I haven’t got my tickets yet, and I don’t know any details.’

“Dunny replied, ‘Yes, look, I’ll sort you out, Langers.’ That was at 10 to 6 this morning, and then we received the news via the Yesterday’s Heroes group that Paul had suffered a massive heart attack. It is a shock.”

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