Paul Langmack, Three-Time Canterbury Premiership Winner, Dies at 61
Paul Langmack, a three-time premiership winner with Canterbury, has died from a heart attack at 61. His 314-game first-grade career included stints with the…
Paul Langmack, the rugby league legend Paul known for three premierships with Canterbury, has died from a heart attack at 61. The former forward and five-eighth played 314 first-grade games and later worked with community and mental health programs.
Langmack represented NSW Blues, coached South Sydney for two seasons in 2003-2004 and also played for the Magpies, Roosters and Halifax. His death prompted tributes from former teammates and officials across the game.
He was 61.
Canterbury general manager Phil Gould said he was devastated by Langmack’s sudden death. Gould described receiving regular calls and messages from him about rugby league, and said he would miss them.
Langmack worked with the NSWRL for many years, supporting the game. In more recent times, he volunteered for Bulldogs community initiatives, Gould said. He also started mental health support programs for young people and current and former players.
“He was a larger-than-life character. Paul was energetic, bubbly and enthusiastic. He loved his rugby league,” Gould said. “He was so loyal to his many teammates and ex-coaches over the years.”
Gould said Langmack’s work helping others was a significant loss to the people around him. He also offered condolences to Langmack’s sister Diane, who had worked as his personal assistant for 15 years.
What did Paul Langmack achieve in rugby league?
Langmack won three premierships with Canterbury during a first-grade career spanning 314 games. He played as a ball-playing forward and five-eighth, and also represented NSW Blues.
His career included time with the Magpies and Roosters, along with two seasons at Halifax in the Super League. After playing, he coached South Sydney for two seasons in 2003-2004 and continued working in the sport.
NRL executive chairman Peter V’landys remembered Langmack as a funny, popular and passionate figure. He said Langmack had been tough on the field while also possessing skill, and remained involved through playing, coaching and community work.
“He always wanted to help people,” V’landys said, offering condolences on behalf of the commission to Langmack’s family, friends and those who knew him.
Former teammate Greg Alexander, who toured with Langmack on the 1986 Kangaroos tour, said his friend had devoted himself to helping others, particularly in recent years. Alexander said Langmack had faced difficult periods himself and turned that experience into support for people who were struggling.
Alexander also described a WhatsApp group Langmack started this year, called “Yesterday’s Heroes,” which included more than 100 former NRL players. Members used it to talk about different subjects, and Alexander said he learned of Langmack’s heart attack through the group.
Langmack was also part of a group for players from the 1986 Kangaroos tour. Alexander said that group had started about a month earlier as members prepared to mark 40 years since the tour and attend the World Cup final.
In a message to that group, Langmack had asked for help arranging tickets and travel details. Alexander said the message arrived at 10 to 6 that morning; news of Langmack’s heart attack followed through the “Yesterday’s Heroes” group.
