Terry Hill dead at 52: Rugby league cult hero suddenly dies leaving world of sport in shock

RUGBY league cult hero Terry Hill has died suddenly at the age of 52.

The former Australia international reportedly suffered a heart attack.

APAustralia rugby league hero Terry Hill has died at 52 from a heart attack[/caption]

Hill was in the Philippines at the time of his death.

He was helping to build an orphanage in the country.

According to pal and fellow ex-league superstar Craig Coleman, Hill rang a friend to complain that he was feel unwell.

Hill then had a heart attack while lying down sleeping.

The former centre played for clubs including South Sydney, Manly Sea Eagles and Wests Tigers.

In total, he played 246 club games during a 15-year spell.

And Hill also represented Australia nine times, netting eight tries in the process.

After hanging up his boots in 2005, Hill spent time coaching in the New South Wales Country Rugby League.

A statement from the National Rugby League read: “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.

“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.”

Pal Coleman told Wide World of Sports: “Terry was one of the game’s real characters and a great player.

“That’s the kind of bloke he was (building an orphanage) – had a heart of gold.

“He’d been there for a couple of weeks and rang a mate and said he wasn’t feeling well. The mate told him to lie down… apparently he went to sleep and never woke up – it’s a sad day for the game.”

Ex-player Tim Brasher said: “He was a great fella and loved to give you a bit of stick after he beat you to score a try.

“You couldn’t shut him up – he was a larrikin who just loved to chatter,.

“He lived life at 100 miles per hour and will be missed. It’s far too young to die.”

Hill’s former captain Geoff Toovey noted: “He was a good friend. He did a lot of good things for his team-mates. My sincere condolences to his family.”

Former player Steve Menzies added: “I’m in disbelief – he was a larger than life character and it’s a really sad day.

“His personality on and off the field made him one of the favourite players of our era.

“As a back-rower, he was a dream to play alongside. He was fast, strong, had good hands and was a great a defender.

“At his peak he was one of the best centres in the game. He was ferocious on the field and off the field he was always the centre of attention.

“He was the best sledger that I’ve played with or against. He could really get under an opponent’s skin, but it was always good natured – we had some laughs.”

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