Below is a statement from the club ahead of a coronial inquest into the death of our beloved former player Keith Titmuss, which starts today.
At the outset, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Rugby League Club expresses its deepest condolences to Keith’s family and friends. In particular, to Keith’s mum Lafo, his dad Paul, his brother Jesse, and his sister Zara, Manly acknowledges the loss of your beloved son and brother.
Keith was highly respected by his teammates and coaching staff. He was also loved for his gentle and kind nature and he was a true team player. He played rugby league from the age of 5 and with Manly since he was a young teenager. He was a huge talent, with a natural gift for the game he loved so much.
Keith’s death shocked and devastated the Club, its staff and players. He will not be forgotten, and to honour him, the Club posthumously named Keith as Sea Eagles’ first-grade player number 623.
Manly welcomes the opportunity to be involved in this inquest. We hope it will provide some answers for Keith’s family and help to manage the risks that come from playing elite rugby league. At the end of last year, expert medical reports were distributed by the team assisting the Coroner that identified for the first time, that the cause of Keith’s death was exertional heat stroke. That evidence provides the Coroner’s Court with an important opportunity to enhance player safety and welfare, particularly in this era of climate change. The Court will hear the steps taken by Manly, and also the NRL, in response to the issues recently highlighted by the evidence served.
All Manly staff, and no doubt many players across all teams, will be following the inquest. Both Manly and the NRL prioritise player safety and welfare, including during this inquest, and will continue to provide support to Keith’s teammates and friends.
