The NSWRL joins the Rugby League community in being deeply saddened by the overnight passing of Rugby League Immortal and former NSW player and coach Graeme Langlands.
“Changa”, aged 76, passed away in his sleep after a long battle with illness.
The four-time premiership-winning fullback for the St George Dragons played 227 games for the club (1963-76); 33 matches for NSW (1962-75) and 45 Tests for Australia (1963-75) in an illustrious career which saw him earn Australian Rugby League Immortal status in 1999.
As NSW captain-coach, he guided the team to nine wins in 12 appearances from 1973-76.
NSWRL Chairman Dr George Peponis OAM said: “It’s a sad day for everybody in Rugby League, but particularly for New South Wales.
“Chang was the coach of the first NSW team I ever played in and I admired him greatly as a player when I was growing up.
“As an Immortal and one of the central figures in the wonderful St George era, he will be fondly remembered by our sport forever.”
In his retirement year in 1976, Langlands was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE Medal) for his contribution to Rugby League and club life and in 1996 was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
In 2008 Langlands was named in the list of Australia’s 100 Greatest Players to commemorate the game’s centenary year, as well as being selected on the bench in Australia’s Team of the Century and as centre in the NSW Team of the Century.
