NRL news: All the latest Manly news and updates

The Sea Eagles are mourning the loss of a former Kangaroo and halfback of Manly’s first-premiership winning side, who becomes the third member to pass away this year.

Manly halfback Dennis Ward (right) moves in to tackle Jim Lisle of Souths at the SCG in 1968.

Former Australian and Manly halfback Dennis Ward has died in Brisbane aged 74.

Ward, a member of the Sea Eagles’ first premiership-winning side in 1972, passed away after a long illness.

He is the third member of Manly’s famous ’72 side to pass away this year after the deaths of Bob Fulton and Fred Jones.

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Manly halfback Dennis Ward (right) moves in to tackle Jim Lisle of Souths at the SCG in 1968.

Ward played for Canterbury and Manly between 1965 and 1972 before heading to Newcastle to play with the Western Suburbs Rosellas between 1973 and 1975.

He was chosen on the 1973 Kangaroo tour from the Rosellas.

Iconic Manly figure Bob Fulton also passed away this year.

Ward, Kangaroo number 425, also toured New Zealand with the Australian side, playing two Tests, in 1969 before representing Australia at the 1972 World Cup in France.

He was part of the Kangaroos side which played Great Britain in the ’72 final at Lyon.

Ward played several games on the ’73 Kangaroo tour but did not play a Test match.

“Dennis was an exciting attacking halfback and his love of the game extended to a marvellous coaching and development career in Queensland with the QRL,” said former Manly player and official Peter Peters.

“He will be sorely missed by everybody at the Sea Eagles.”