Manly Sea Eagles player Keith Titmuss dies after training session

The shattered brother of a rising Manly star who died suddenly at training has offered a heartfelt tribute to his “best friend” and a “loving, gentle giant.”

The shattered brother of a rising Manly Sea Eagles star who died suddenly at training on Monday has offered a heartfelt tribute to his “best friend” and a “loving, gentle giant.”

Jesse Titmuss took to social media to express his pain and grief at the loss of younger brother Keith, who fell ill after a 9am Manly training session and later died at Royal North Shore Hospital.

“My rock, my best friend, you were always by side through thick and thin. I miss you so much lil bro,” Jesse posted. “You are so heavy on my heart right now and I will forever carry you by my side.

“Keith passed on doing what he loved, living out his dream and there is no doubt about that. The hardest working individual I knew, with a mindset like no other - that ‘never give up’ mentality took him to where he was.

Manly's Keith Titmuss scores the winning try during the 2017 Holden Cup grand final against Parramatta. Picture: Brett Costello

“I was so proud to call Keith my lil bro and if anyone knows me, Keith was all I would talk about.

“Keith, a man of very few words was loved by many and had so many close friends who were all by his side. His friends and family were the most important and influential people in his life and every bit of advice he was given he would take it all in.

“His character and personality were unique and were the qualities towards such a loving, gentle giant.

“Keith was just upgraded to the top 30 NRL squad for 2021 and was looking forward to what would have been his breakthrough season. We were just talking about it a couple of days ago about how well prepared he was physically and mentally for pre-season.

“All of us as a family were optimistic that Keith was to make his NRL debut in 2021. Keith’s memories and legacy will live on forever.

“We love you Keithy! I will take care of Mum, Dad and Zara for you bro, we are all hurting so much. Take care lil bro and rest easy.”

Titmuss, 20, was transported to Northern Beaches Hospital and then rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital but could not be saved.

Keith Titmuss was in Manly’s NRL squad. Picture: Nathan Hopkins/NRL Photos

He appeared to sustain severe cramps and fatigue after a two-hour training session, which started at 9am, inside Manly’s Narrabeen headquarters.

Manly coach Des Hasler and Sea Eagles CEO Stephen Humphreys were at RNSH on Monday night comforting Titmuss’ distraught family.

Stunned Manly players were called to a meeting at Narrabeen on Monday afternoon where they were told of the tragic news and offered counselling.

Titmuss was elevated into Manly’s top 30-man NRL squad for next season and was among the first wave of younger players to return to off-season training.

He was signed by Manly at just 14-years-old from Cabramatta.

“He definitely would have played first grade this coming year. The club had long-term aspirations for him to be a first grader,” said Manly recruitment manager, Scott Fulton.

“It’s devastating news. He was a lovely kid. All the other kids loved him.”

The rising front-rower had just completed a field session and was stretching when he felt ill.

Medical staff and paramedics worked on Titmuss before he was taken to two hospitals but later died. The official cause of death was unknown on Monday night.

The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles family is extremely saddened to learn of the sudden passing of player Keith Titmuss today

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friendshttps://t.co/CB2NXwa7xI#ManlyForever pic.twitter.com/6he7fOatmn

— Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (@SeaEagles) November 23, 2020

Our sincere condolences to Keith’s family, his friends and everyone at the @SeaEagles during this time. 💙💛 https://t.co/1Ke5XaGG4U

— Parramatta Eels (@TheParraEels) November 23, 2020

Condolences from our family to yours @SeaEagles 💚

— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) November 23, 2020

Tragic news with Sea Eagles player Keith Titmuss passing away after falling ill at training this morning. Thoughts & condolences to Keith’s family and friends

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) November 23, 2020

Terrible and tragic news pic.twitter.com/CAnhBEcVKB

— Brent Read (@brentread_7) November 23, 2020

Titmuss was a development player this year but did not play a game due to COVID.

He scored the match-winning try in Manly’s 2017 NYC grand final and was named the Manly Jersey Flegg Players’ Player last year.

“We are all devastated by this news,’’ said Hasler.

“Keith was a very popular character amongst the playing group. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten by the Sea Eagles.”

Humphreys added: “Our club sends its deepest condolences to Keith’s family and friends and will provide them with all of the support they need during this difficult period.

“We are working with the NRL’s wellbeing team to offer support and counselling to our playing group and staff.”

A Manly statement issued on Monday claimed Titmuss was “a very promising young forward who had come through the Sea Eagles junior representative teams as a teenager.”

An appraisal of Titmuss Manly’s website read: “A strong runner and solid defender, Keith scored the match-winning try for the Sea Eagles in the 2017 NYC Grand Final.

“He was named the Manly Jersey Flegg Cup Players’ Player in 2019. He also got a taste of playing against more hardened opponents for Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles last season in the Canterbury Cup.

“Outside of rugby league, Keith is studying a Sports Professional’s Certificate of Wellbeing ,Coaching and Mentoring.”

The Titmuss family has asked for privacy.