"Always beaming": NRL world rocked by death of Bulldogs legend

The rugby league world has been rocked by the sudden death of Paul Langmack.

The 61-year-old, who played for Canterbury, Western Suburbs and the Roosters, is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning workout.

Langmack was still in school when he made his debut for the Bulldogs in 1983. He won his first trophy the following year after beating Parramatta in the Winfield Cup grand final.

Two more premierships followed in 1985 and 1988.

Langmack played 174 of his 314 career games for the Bulldogs.

Andrew Voss paid tribute to the former Bulldogs and Magpies star this morning on SEN's The Front Office.

“In absolute shock at the news that I'll pass on now and have had it confirmed through multiple sources… Paul Langmack we learn, has had a massive heart attack this morning and has passed away,” Voss told SEN’s The Front Office.

“After his heart attack during Covid, he changed his life, changed his lifestyle, changed everything, he lost 20-30 kilos, his personality though, (was always) beaming.

“Paul Langmack was an absolute schoolboy star, at the Patrician Brothers at Fairfield…Paul came into first grade and was part of a brilliant era for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

“Paul, good enough to play Origin, selected on a Kangaroo tour, never played a test, dabbled in coaching, had worked across the media over the years, had never stepped away from the game at all, always contributed at so many different levels.

“And then of course I stress, there was the character, there was the personality. First of all, on Channel Nine, more recently on Fox League, we've done some pieces with Paul that leave you with tears in your eyes, because the way he told stories and events in his life. He’s incredible.”

Phil Gould pays tribute to Langmack legacy at Bulldogs

Bulldogs General Manager of Football Phil Gould paid tribute to Langmack and the legacy he left at the club.

“I am devastated to learn of Paul’s sudden passing this morning,” he said.

“Paul would contact me every day of the week about something to do with rugby league. I’m going to miss those calls and messages.

“I’m particularly devastated for his sister Diane, who has been my personal assistant for the past 15 years.

“Paul worked with the NSWRL for many years supporting the game. In recent times he volunteered his time to so many Bulldogs community initiatives.

“He was a larger-than-life character. Paul was energetic, bubbly and enthusiastic.

“He loved his rugby league. He was so loyal to his many teammates and ex coaches over the years. He loved them all.

“Paul also started many mental health support programs to help young kids, plus both current and former players.

“He was always thinking of other people. This is a significant loss to so many.

“A true Bulldog.”

Career stats:

Debut in 1984. Bulldogs premierships: 1984, 1985, 1988
NSW State of Origin: 4 games (1987-88)
Australian Kangaroo Tourist: 1986 "Invincibles" Tour (with Brandy)
Dally M Captain of the Year: 1995
Rabbitohs head coach: 2003-04 (coached Fletch)