Rugby league great Paul Langmack dies aged 61

In short:

Paul Langmack, a triple premiership winner with the Canterbury Bulldogs, has died aged 61.

He played more than 300 first grade matches and four State of Origins for NSW.

He went on to be the head coach of South Sydney in 2003 and 2004.

Canterbury-Bankstown triple premiership winner Paul Langmack has died aged 61.

The club confirmed the death of the former Bulldogs, Western Suburbs and Sydney player, who represented NSW in four State of Origin matches.

After his playing career, at the end of the 1999 season, Langmack became an assistant coach at Wests Tigers, then head coach of South Sydney in 2003 and 2004.

"I am devastated to learn of Paul's sudden passing this morning," rugby league great Phil Gould said.

"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."

Langmack's 174-game stint at the Bulldogs during the 1980s was headlined by premiership wins in 1984, 1985 and 1988.

In total, he played 314 first grade matches in Australia, as well as 19 for Halifax in England.

Langmack was part of Australia's 1986 tour of Great Britain and France, playing 10 tour matches, but no Tests.

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