Rugby league cult hero Kyle White dies suddenly at 53

Former forward passes away in his sleep

Rugby league cult hero Kyle White has died suddenly at the age of 53. The former Canterbury, Wests and Illawarra forward passed away in his sleep at his home in Penrith on Monday night.

A cult following

White also played for Widnes and Workington Town in England throughout a 10-year professional career that saw him gain a cult following. The popular forward played well above his height and weight in the forward pack and was renowned for being a fierce defender.

Personal troubles

White had personal troubles in recent years. In 2019 his brother Josh pleaded for assistance after Kyle had been reported missing. Kyle was later found homeless and wandering around the southeast Queensland town of Warwick.

A heavy heart

“It’s with a very heavy heart that I inform everyone that my brother Kyle passed away this morning. As most people know he has been dealing with some issues of late but it doesn’t make it any easier,” Josh posted on Facebook.

Rugby league career

White played 24 games at Canterbury between 1989 and 1991, and made 34 appearances for the Magpies between 1992 and 1995 and nine for the Steelers in 1996.

Remembering a tough player

“He was my idol growing up and we played at all the same NRL clubs and were inseparable through our younger years. Hopefully he finds peace now and the hurting has stopped. He was a tough player on the field and knew how to have a good time off it. We have had a lot of ups and downs over the years but he is my brother and (I) will always love him,” Josh said.

In memory of Kyle White

White’s death comes days after the passing of South Sydney legend John Sattler aged 80. The rugby league community mourns the loss of both players and remembers their contributions to the sport.

Credit: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/rugby-league-cult-hero-kyle-white-dead-at-53/news-story/a0f7f66e73cb8404f5cae00ac4e9faba

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