Manly premiership-winning skipper Matt Orford is recovering in hospital after surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain.
Orford underwent hip surgery last week in North Sydney's Mater Hospital and remained in hospital following complications from the operation.
On Sunday Orford, 38, collapsed due to a seizure. He was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital where he underwent brain surgery.
"Matt is in good hands with the medical staff at Royal North Shore," Orford's father Allan said in a statement released by the Sea Eagles on Monday.
"Naturally, his mother and his family are devastated with what has happened.
"We'd like to thank the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Club and the rugby league community who have offered their love and support during this difficult time."
Orford, nicknamed Ox, led Manly to their 40-0 win over Melbourne in the 2008 NRL grand final.
The former City Origin halfback played 249 top grade games in a career that spanned 12 years with Northern Eagles, Melbourne, Manly, Bradford and Canberra.
He retired in 2011.
