VALE PAUL LANGMACK: BULLDOGS HERO WHO CHAMPIONED MENTAL HEALTH DIES AT 61
Rugby league fans across Australia are in mourning after the sudden death of Bulldogs legend Paul Langmack at the age of 61.
Paul Langmack died on Thursday morning, with reports saying he is believed to have suffered a massive heart attack.
The news, confirmed by the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and reported by AAP via InDaily, has left the rugby league community reeling.
For those who knew him well, he was much more than a footballer.
A champion of the golden era
Born in Sydney in 1965, he showed his leadership early, captaining the Australian Schoolboys side in 1982, according to his Wikipedia biography.
He joined the Bulldogs in 1983 and spent eight seasons at the club, playing 174 first-grade games.
In that time he won three premierships, in 1984, 1985 and 1988, and captained the side 13 times.
He also set a club record of 84 consecutive first-grade games, a remarkable feat of toughness and consistency in such a bruising sport.
The Bulldogs described him as a catalyst for the club's success in the 1980s.
After leaving Canterbury at the end of 1990, he moved to Western Suburbs, where he captained the side, and later played for the Sydney City Roosters before retiring at the end of 1999.
Honours on the big stage
His talent was recognised well beyond club football.
He played 10 tour matches for Australia, four State of Origin games for New South Wales, and also turned out for NSW City.
In 1992 he was named Rugby League Week Player of the Year, and in 1995 he was named Dally M captain of the year.
The Bulldogs made him a life member in 2011, a fitting honour for a man who gave so much to the club.
When his playing days were over he moved into coaching, first as an assistant at the Wests Tigers and then as head coach of South Sydney in 2003 and 2004.
Paul Langmack's quiet work for mental health
Perhaps the most touching tributes have focused on what he did away from the cameras.
Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould told ESPN that his old friend was "a larger-than-life character" and a true Bulldog.
Gould said Langmack had started many mental health support programs to help young people, as well as current and former players.
He also worked with the NSWRL for many years and volunteered on a range of Bulldogs community initiatives.
It is a reminder that some of the most important work our sporting heroes do happens far from the scoreboard.
For young players and retired footballers who may have been struggling, having someone like him in their corner could have made a real difference.
A loss felt by family and friends
Gould said he was devastated by the news and would miss the phone calls they shared almost every day about rugby league.
He said he was particularly upset for Paul's sister Diane, who has worked as his personal assistant for the past 15 years.
The Sydney Morning Herald report, republished by Stuff, described him as a beloved rugby league personality.
Our thoughts are with Diane and all of his family, friends and former teammates at this very sad time.
How to support someone who is grieving
A sudden loss like this can hit hard, not only for family but for the wider circle of mates, teammates and fans who feel they knew him.
If someone you love is grieving, simply checking in with a call or a message can mean more than you might think.
Sharing a favourite memory, dropping off a meal or offering to help with everyday jobs are small, practical ways to show you care.
If the news has stirred up difficult feelings for you, reaching out to a friend, your GP or a support service such as Lifeline on 13 11 14 is always a good step.
In the end, Paul Langmack will be remembered for his premierships and his grit, but also for the way he looked out for others.
That may be the finest legacy of all.
