Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are saddened to hear of the passing of former premiership winning centre Terry Hill, aged 52.
It is understood he passed away from a heart attack in the Philippines.
Hill made his club debut for Manly under Coach Bob Fulton, going on to score 64 tries in 142 first grade games for the Sea Eagles between 1994-99 and 2005.
He was a member of Manly's 1996 premiership winning team that defeated St George 20-8 in the Grand Final.
The Sea Eagles will wear black armbands in honour of Hill in Friday night's match against Parramatta Eels at 4 Pines Park.
"Terry was a much loved and respected figure at not only the Sea Eagles, but across rugby league, where he played for several clubs,'' Manly CEO Tony Mestrov said.
"On behalf of everyone at the Sea Eagles, we offer our deepest and sincere condolences to Terry's family and friends during this difficult time.
"Terry will always be fondly remembered at Manly."
Geoff Toovey, who captained Hill in the 1996 premiership victory, paid tribute to his former team-mate.
“Terry was a great player for Manly,'' Toovey said.
"He was a good friend. He did a lot of good things for his team-mates. My sincere condolences to his family."
Steve Menzies said he was shocked to hear of the passing of his former team-mate affectionately known as 'Tezza'.
"Terry was the ultimate team man who you just loved playing with,'' Menzies said.
"His passion, determination, and aggression was second to none. At the peak of his career, Terry was one of the world's best centres.
"My thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends."
Hill went on to play 246 first grade games for Souths, Easts, Wests, Manly and Wests Tigers between 1990 and 2003, before becoming a huge hit on Channel Nine's The Footy Show for his entertaining segments.
Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys AM paid tribute to Terry Hill.
“Terry was a prodigiously talented footballer who burst onto the scene in first grade as a teenager and went on to represent Australia in nine Test matches as well as playing 14 State of Origin matches for New South Wales,” Mr V’landys said.
“As well as being one of the game’s great centres he was also one of its most popular characters, a giant personality who was universally loved by the players he played alongside over his long career in the top grade. Who can forget the hilarious skits on the Channel 9 Footy Show?
“On behalf of the Commission, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Terry’s family, and all those who knew him.”
