The tragic death of a teenage athlete on Monday after training in Manly has shocked the rugby league community.
The Sea Eagles announced that 20-year-old Keith Titmuss, who fell ill during the team’s 90-minute training session at Narrabeen, died at Royal North Shore Hospital.
After being transported by EMS from the training facility to the neighborhood Northern Beaches Hospital, Titmuss was subsequently brought to Royal North Shore, where he passed away.
First grade coach Des Hasler expressed his team’s “devastation” at the news.
Keith enjoyed enormous popularity among the players. The Sea Eagles will miss him dearly but never forget him.
Stephen Humphreys, the club’s chief executive, stated that the Sea Eagles were not aware of any underlying medical issues.
“Our club will give Keith’s family and friends all the support they need during this difficult time,” Humphreys added. “Our club sends its deepest condolences to Keith’s family and friends.”
“We are collaborating with the NRL Wellbeing team to provide our playing group and staff with support and counseling.”
Despite being a full-time NRL player for the club, Titmuss had not yet played in the league.
He was a junior star who helped Manly win the NYC championship in 2017 and was named the team’s Jersey Flegg Cup player in 20 23
“The game has lost a promising young player with the world at his feet,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in a statement.
“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.”
Rugby League Players’ Association chief executive Clint Newton added: “On behalf of the RLPA and the entire playing group, we pass on our sincerest condolences to Keith’s family and friends.
“Our team will work with the NRL and Manly Warringah Club to ensure the appropriate support and counselling is available to Keith’s family, the playing group and their respective families.”
Manly chief executive Stephen Humphreys said on Monday night the club was “in shock” and unaware of any underlying medical conditions that may have contributed to Titmuss’ death.
“We are also without answers about what has happened,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald. . “I wasn’t present when it happened, but I am on my way to the hospital, Des [Hasler, Sea Eagles coach] is there now, so we might find out more then.”
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