Australian rugby league legend Arthur Beetson has died after collapsing while cycling on the Gold Coast.
Beetson, who was 66, was a star prop for Balmain, Eastern Suburbs - the team now known as Sydney Roosters - and Parramatta, and also had a short stint playing in England with Hull KR.
He was a key performer for his country in the late 1960s and 1970s.
The Roosters said in a statement: "The Sydney Roosters are devastated to hear about the sudden death of club and rugby league legend, Arthur Beetson.
"One of rugby league's most well respected and liked characters, Artie will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone associated with the Roosters.
"His combined passion for club, state and his indigenous heritage was inspiring to all Australians and will never be forgotten."
Beetson, by then a veteran, captained Queensland to victory in the inaugural State of Origin match in 1980.
He served as coach of Queensland, Eastern Suburbs and, briefly, Australia, at the end of his playing career, before being appointed recruitment officer for the renamed Roosters.
He became the first indigenous Australian to captain his country in any sport, and entered the national rugby league hall of fame in 2003.
Australian minister for sport Mark Arbib said of Beetson: "He was a true legend of the game and a fantastic bloke and his sudden passing is a huge loss for Australia."
NRL chief David Gallop said: "Arthur was such an imposing figure in so many ways that I think everyone is having trouble accepting that this has happened.
"It is almost impossible to do justice to his contribution to the game and the affect that he had on the lives of so many people.
"He was an immortal, named in the team of the century, a member of the hall of fame - he was a true champion.
"Throughout his career he championed both the bush and indigenous Australia and inspired young players."
Australian Rugby League chief executive Geoff Carr added his own tribute, recalling the 1980 Origin match.
"Others may have made it possible but Arthur gave birth to the passion of Origin," Carr said.
"He was 35 years old and at the back end of a great career and he led all the way."
Hull KR chairman Neil Hudgell paid tribute Beetson, who made 12 appearances for the club in 1968 before his stint was ended by a badly-broken leg and dislocated ankle sustained in the Christmas Day derby against Hull FC at Craven Park.
"We are deeply saddened by his death," Hudgell said. "He was a legend of the game and, although he only played with us for a short time, he left a legacy that still endures today.
"Our thoughts are with his family and with our president, Colin Hutton, and his wife, Marjorie, who were very close to Arthur and only saw him recently when he was over in England for the Four Nations tournament."
