Manly has been rocked by the sudden passing of emerging forward Keith Titmuss.
The club confirmed the devastating news on Monday evening after the 20-year-old was rushed to hospital having fallen ill at training in the morning.
Titmuss was stretching with teammates after a 90-minute training session at Narrabeen when he reported severe cramps to staff.
He was treated by the doctor and taken to Northern Beaches Hospital before being transported to Royal North Shore Hospital where he passed away.
“We are all devastated by this news,’’ coach Des Hasler said.
“Keith was a very popular character amongst the playing group. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten by the Sea Eagles.”
Yet to make his first-grade debut, the promising front-rower came through the Sea Eagles development system, claiming the Jersey Flegg Cup Players' Player award in 2019
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles family is extremely saddened to learn of the sudden passing of player Keith Titmuss today
— Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (@SeaEagles) November 23, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friendshttps://t.co/CB2NXwa7xI#ManlyForever pic.twitter.com/6he7fOatmn
Titmuss had earned a place on the club's 30-man squad for the 2021 season.
Manly CEO Stephen Humphreys said the club is offering support to Titmuss' teammates, family and coaching staff.
“Our club sends its deepest condolences to Keith’s family and friends and will provide them with all of the support they need during this difficult period,’’ Humphreys said.
“We are working with the NRL’s Wellbeing team to offer support and counselling to our playing group and staff.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo also passed on the League's condolences to Manly and the Titmuss family.
“This is a tragic day for rugby league,’’ Abdo said.
“The game has lost a promising young player with the world at his feet. Keith had made it into Manly’s top 30 for the 2021 season after coming through the club’s junior ranks.
“We will make sure Keith’s family, the club and our players receive every support they need from the game.
“We are one family and today we have lost a member of that family. On behalf of the Commission and the game I send my deepest condolences to Keith’s family.”
