Manly Sea Eagles make Keith Titmuss honorary first grader after tragic death

Keith Titmuss will forever sit alongside Manly’s greatest players after the club moved to immortalise the ‘first grader’ following his tragic death.

Keith Titmuss’ family has issued a beautiful tribute to their son and brother.

He will forever be Manly player number 623.

Rising front-rower Keith Titmuss – who tragically died on Monday – will be posthumously awarded an official Sea Eagles player number.

Every Manly player to reach first grade is given a number, in chronological order, dating back to the club’s initial season in the old NSWRFL in 1947.

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Titmuss didn’t have the chance to fulfil his dream of playing NRL after passing away following a training session at Narrabeen on Monday morning.

However, he will now be perpetually recognised as a Manly first grader.

Keith Titmuss’ family has issued a beautiful tribute to their son and brother.

With 623 now his number, Titmuss will sit alongside Manly’s greatest – including Bob Fulton, Geoff Toovey, Graham Eadie, Cliff Lyons, Brett Stewart, Steve Menzies, Max Krilich, Terry Randall and Malcolm Reilly — in the club’s rich history.

“We will honour that number. It was Keith’s dream to play NRL. This would mean so much to Keith and his family,” close family friend Reno Santaguida said.

“His name will now be among the greatest footballers that ever played for Manly. It’s very special for all his family and friends and is something we will cherish. He will never be forgotten.”

(L-R) Keith Titmuss, with his sister Zara, Mum Lafo and brother Jesse. Picture: Facebook

Manly is planning on conducting what will be an emotional reflection day for players on Thursday.

By being awarded an official player number, Titmuss’ legacy will forever remain at Manly and the Sea Eagles have discussed further plans to recognise and remember him.

“It is a lovely and moving gesture by the club,” said Menzies. “I didn’t know Keith personally but I’m proud of our club for giving him his own player number.

“He will now forever be remembered as Sea Eagles player 623 and will stand alongside every other player who has represented the great Manly club.

Keith Titmuss scores the winning try in the 2017 Holden Cup U20's Grand Final. Picture: Brett Costello

“I cannot imagine the pain and grief his family is having to endure. This is so tragic and so sad. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

“I know Manly and the rugby league community will rally around his family and friends to help with the grief. Manly is renowned for looking after its players.”

RUGBY LEAGUE MOURNS ‘KEITHY’ TITMUSS

Titmuss, just 20, had been elevated into Manly’s top 30-man squad with club officials adamant he would have made his NRL debut next season.

Some Manly players have been given the option of returning to training on Thursday.

The club has offered counselling to all players, particularly teammates who were near Titmuss when he fell ill on Monday.

Keith Titmuss after his 2017 Grand Final heroics. Picture: Facebook

A coroner’s report finalising Titmuss’ official cause of death has yet to be completed. His funeral will held be next week.

Titmuss’ mother, Lafo, told The Daily Telegraph: “Parents should never have to bury a child. We never thought we would be the parents that would say those words. We are full of tears.”

And his shattered father Paul added: “I’m speechless – I’m devastated that I have lost my son. He was doing something he loved. We really didn’t have any idea anything like this could happen.”