Former Dragons and Sharks forward Lance Thompson has reportedly died at his home in Cronulla overnight, as reported by Fox Sports.
The 40-year-old was found at a unit on The Kingsway, Cronulla at about 9pm on Thursday, according to several media outlets.
Police have stated that the cause of death is currently unknown but is not suspicious.
Thompson played 239 first grade games, most for the Dragons, before retiring at the end of the 2008 NRL season.
Former colleagues and fans of Thompson have taken to Twitter to pay their respects.
https://twitter.com/SmartState1/status/1032733795730878464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1032733795730878464&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.news.com.au%2Fsport%2Fnrl%2Fnrl-great-lance-thompson-dead%2Fnews-story%2F2c141b0ce101f7ea94fe73ea586eab0b
Shattered to hear about Lance Thompson. A great bloke who helped me learn alot! Gone way to soon. RIP Thommo
— Bryson Goodwin (@Bryson_Goodwin) August 23, 2018
In shock and very sad to hear lance Thompson passing away. Lucky to play against him in my debut and meet him in the shire. Champion bloke who will be missed 💔
— Joseph Paulo (@sefapaulo) August 23, 2018
Lance Thompson is a legend of the St George area. A true Local hero. Very sad news
— Ben Horne (@BenHorne8) August 23, 2018
This is shocking news. RIP Lance Thompson – a really good bloke whose company I always enjoyed greatly. Condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/A4w44wiBGX
— Ben Damon (@ben_damon) August 23, 2018
Very sad to hear the passing of Lance Thompson overnight, one of my childhood favourites and a local hero who I looked up to and was lucky enough to get to know over the years, champion bloke and player. Rest In Peace Mate! pic.twitter.com/0K5yWQK3g7
— Keith Galloway (@kgalloway85) August 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/renimaitua/status/1032730910259654656
RIP Lance Thompson ❤️ was one of the craziest coaches, but even better bloke 🌹 pic.twitter.com/t3WtcpBNzV
— kem seru (@KemSeru) August 23, 2018