Rugby league legend and larrikin Paul Langmack has died aged 61.

Radio host Mark Levy announced the passing of the former footy great on Sydney's 2GB on Thursday morning. 

It is understood he suffered a heart attack while having a sauna and could not be revived. 

'He's such a larger than life character. I used to joke and say, jeez, Paul, you give a panadol a headache,' Levy said.

'But every time he'd see you, he'd make a beeline for you to come over and and, and have a laugh with you.

'I was only sitting at the airport with him earlier this year. He had a a black book, and I said, "what's that? Is that your diary for what you got coming up?".

'And he said, no. That's my black bookers. So all the tips that he used to send to everybody."

Former NRL star Darryl Brohman was a teammate of Langmack's and also paid his tribute.

'Apparently he was in a sauna and just dropped dead. It was just terrible news,' he said.

'I mean, he was a wonderful player. I only played two years with him at the Bulldogs, and he was significantly younger than me.

'And mate, he was just so talented. From a football perspective, he probably didn't get the accolades that he deserved. He had a very smart football brain, and he should have probably played for Australia.

'I think he went away on a Kangaroo tour, but I don't think he played any Tests.'

Langmack played more than 300 first-grade games for Canterbury, Western Suburbs and the Sydney Roosters between 1983 and 1999, winning premierships with the Bulldogs in 1984, 1985 and 1988. 

The skilful lock represented NSW four times and toured with the Australian Kangaroos in 1986, although he did not play a Test. 

After retiring, he moved into coaching and led South Sydney in 2003 and 2004. 

More to come