Register a free account today to become a member of the world's largest Rugby League discussion forum! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Shark said:
Last Update: Tuesday, January 3, 2006. 11:17am AEDT
Cronulla legend Steve Rogers has died, aged 51. (ABC)
Sharks legend Rogers dies
Australia's rugby league community is mourning the loss of former star centre Steve Rogers.
The former Cronulla Sharks and Australian rugby league great was found dead in his unit in Sydney's south today.
A report is being prepared for the coroner but it is believed Rogers died of natural causes.
Rogers was found dead this morning after a relative had unsuccessfully tried to contact him.
Sharks management said the 51-year-old, father of Wallaby utility Mat Rogers, had just returned from an overseas holiday and was due to return to his job as general manager of the Cronulla club next week.
Sharks football manager Greg Pierce said the news had come as a terrible shock.
"Unbelievable, he was due back at work on Monday and I was due to go off for a couple of weeks," he said.
"He's been away on holidays in Europe for a period and we were just going to swap over where the state of the nation was sort of thing, and it's quite unbelievable the fact that he won't be there."
Mr Pierce said Rogers' death would leave a big hole at the club.
"He was our greatest player. He's been at the club since 1973, so it's just going to be a massive shock to everybody," he said.
Rogers played more than 200 games for the Sharks between 1972 and 1985, and represented both New South Wales and Australia.
He played 19 games for the Blues and 21 Tests for the Kangaroos.
National Rugby League chief operating officer Graham Annesley said Rogers was regarded as one of the greatest centres to play the game.
"He had a fabulous career for the Sharks and then also for the state and for Australia, so on the playing field there was no finer player," he said
Rogers was twice voted the best and fairest player in the ARL competition.
Waratahs rally around Rogers
Mat Rogers, meanwhile, has been granted leave by the New South Wales Waratahs on compassionate grounds following the sudden death of his father.
NSW Rugby chief executive Fraser Neill said Mat had the full support of the Waratahs.
"Mat was due back tomorrow for the Waratahs country tour but it's obviously more important that Mat is with his family at this difficult time," he said.
"We have been in contact with Mat today and expressed to him our deepest sympathy for his great loss.
"Mat is a pretty stoic character and I'm sure he'll receive nothing but the best possible support from his family, friends and team-mates."
Mr Neill said Mat would return to the Waratahs when he was ready.
"Mat will know when it's time to come back but for now all we want to do is support him."
Shark said:
