Rugby league identities have reacted with shock following the sudden death of former St George Illawarra and Cronulla player Lance Thompson.
The 40-year-old was found dead at an apartment on The Kingsway, Cronulla about 9pm on Thursday, reportedly by his teenage daughter.
His death is not being treated as suspicious and there was no evidence of self harm, police say.
Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter Beattie has led tributes for Thompson, saying his death was a loss to the sport.
"A very sad day for rugby league with the passing of NRL star Lance Thompson," Beattie tweeted.
"A much-loved member of the rugby league community. Condolences to his family."
Thompson will be remembered at the Dragons' final game at Kogarah for the season against Canterbury on Sunday when the players wear black armbands.
The City Origin representative played alongside current coach Paul McGregor at the merged club between 1999 and 2001.
"Lance was a colourful, earnest rugby league character and a loyal friend of many at the Dragons," Dragons chief executive Peter Doust said.
"We are all are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of his passing and our thoughts are with his family."
His loss has been felt heavily at the Sharks, where he played between 2006-2008.
Coach Shane Flanagan was an assistant coach at the club for Thompson's final two years in the NRL, while Paul Gallen was captain and Jayson Bukuya was a youngster in the squad.
"The club is deeply saddened by Lance's passing. He was loved and respected by all at the club and our prayers and thoughts go out to his family," Sharks CEO Barry Russell said.
Manly coach Trent Barrett, Newcastle coach Nathan Brown and NRL referee Henry Perenara are among others to have played alongside him.
Perenara is listed to officiate the Dragons' game against the Bulldogs.
Other former teammates also took to social media to pay tribute.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Thompson family," Anthony Mundine posted on Twitter.
"Thommo was one of the most genuine people I have known who cared for his family and friends RIP my brother."
Making his first grade debut at 17, Thompson played 239 first grade games, 201 with the Dragons and 38 with the Sharks.
The veteran backrower went into retirement in 2008 as his body broke down after 14 years in the NRL.
At the time, Thompson was battling a knee injury and cited his long-term health and inability to keep up with his young daughter as reasons to call it quits at age 30, while he was later diagnosed with type-one diabetes.
A report into Thompson's death will be prepared for the coroner.
