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

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

It is understood Langmack suffered a suspected medical episode while using a sauna at the Breakfast Point Country Club after his daily gym routine 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 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.'

NRL great Darryl Brohman paid tribute to his former teammate. 

'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.

'He was just so talented. From a football perspective, he probably didn't get the accolades that he deserved.

'And mate, he just loved life. He just loved it. You know, he had a couple of issues off the field, but who hasn't? We've all had issues off the field.'

Bulldogs boss Phil Gould also shared a message praising Langmack and described him as a 'larger-than-life' character.

'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,' he said.

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

Gould said Langmack started numerous mental health support programs to help young children as well as current and former players. 

'He was always thinking of other people. This is a significant loss to so many. A true Bulldog,' he added.

Craig Laundy, of Bulldogs major sponsor Laundy Hotels, and the Western Magpies have also paid tribute to the NRL star's life and work. 

Langmack was diagnosed with cancer of the lymph nodes in 2016 after discovering a lump in his throat and underwent radiation therapy at Sydney's Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. 

Around the time of his treatment, he was also organising the NRL's first Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras float. 

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. 

A key member of the Bulldogs' feared 'Dogs of War' pack, he built his reputation on toughness, versatility and tireless defence.

He debuted at just 17, having slept outside the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1981 to secure a grand final ticket.

Three years later, he helped Canterbury beat Parramatta in the 1984 decider before adding premierships in 1985 and 1988.

His colourful stories include a team bus trip on which he said Terry Lamb drank vodka-and-orange premixes and bet on horses while Phil Gould drove.

According to Langmack, Lamb needed help getting to bed but recovered to inspire a 23-12 victory the following day.

At Western Suburbs, Langmack played under Tommy Raudonikis, whose unconventional motivational methods included bringing a raw ox heart into a team meeting.

Langmack recalled the heart being passed around as Raudonikis demanded his players show some heart, splattering blood across shirts and jerseys.

Another memorable celebration followed Canterbury's 1988 premiership, when he and David Gillespie joined Sydney band The Cockroaches on stage to sing 'Rockin' All Over the World'.

Members of that band later helped form The Wiggles, giving Langmack's premiership celebrations an unexpected connection to the children's entertainment superstars.