Ex-NRL star Lance Thompson passes away

Former NRL ace Lance Thompson has been found dead, aged 40.

Thompson made his debut as a 17-year-old for St George in 1995. He played for the Dragons in their 1996 NRL Grand Final loss to Manly Sea Eagles and also in St George Illawarra’s defeat to Melbourne Storm in the 1999 Grand Final.

He became a fan favourite during his 14-year career in the NRL and made a total of 239 first-grade appearances, and spent three seasons at Cronulla Sharks before he retired in 2008.

Thompson represented the City Origin team five times between 2001 and 2007.

Police Media said police were called to a Cronulla home at 9pm on Thursday after receiving calls about a man’s welfare.

Police Media said the death is not being treated as suspicious and have indicated that it does not appear to have been an incident involving self-harm. A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Dragons chief executive officer Peter Doust said: “Lance was a colourful, earnest rugby league character and a loyal friend of many at the Dragons.

“We are all shocked and deeply saddened to heart of his passing and our thoughts are with his family.”

The Dragons will wear black armbands in their game against Canterbury Bulldogs on Sunday and pay tribute to Thompson.