Keith Titmuss’s older brother says the Manly Sea Eagles rugby league player died “doing what he loved”.
Key points:
- Jesse Titmuss described his younger brother as a “loving, gentle giant”
- Keith Titmuss was expected to make his NRL debut in 2021
- He was regarded as a rising star at the Sea Eagles after coming through the club’s junior ranks
Titmuss died on Monday after falling ill following a Sea Eagles training session held in Narrabeen on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
He was transported by ambulance to nearby Northern Beaches Hospital, before being transferred to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he died a short time later.
A Sea Eagles spokesperson said the club was unable to comment further on the circumstances surrounding Titmuss’s death, but said more details would be known later in the week.
NSW Police issued a statement saying inquiries into the circumstances of Titmuss’s death were under investigation and a report would be prepared for the coroner.
Jesse Titmuss paid tribute to his younger brother on Facebook this morning, saying the 20-year-old was fulfilling his dreams as a professional rugby league player.
“My rock, my best friend, you were always by [my] side through thick and thin. I miss you so much lil bro,” Jesse Titmuss wrote.
“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. 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.
Jesse Titmuss described the emotional pain the family was going through following his brother’s death.
“We love you Keithy! You are so heavy on my heart right now and I will forever carry you by my side,” he wrote.
“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.”
Keith Titmuss, a prop forward, was regarded as a rising star at the Sea Eagles, with the club saying he was a “very promising” prospect.
He was tipped to make his NRL debut in the 2021 season after being included in the Sea Eagles’ full-time 30-player squad.
Jesse Titmuss said his brother 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,” he wrote.
“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.”
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Titmuss was a Sea Eagles junior and scored the match-winning try in the club’s under-20s grand final victory in 2017 as a 17-year-old.
“His ‘Swan Dive’ Grand Final game-winning try was a highlight that brings a bright smile and laugh to everyone!” Jesse Titmuss wrote.
Titmuss fondly remembered
The Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) passed on its condolences to the Titmuss family and their friends.
“On behalf of the RLPA and the entire playing group, we pass on our sincerest condolences to Keith’s family and friends,” RLPA chief executive Clint Newton said in a statement.
“Our team will work with the NRL and Manly Warringah Club to ensure the appropriate support and counselling is available to Keith’s family, the playing group and their respective families.”
The Titmuss brothers attended Westfields Sports High School in the Sydney suburb of Fairfield West.
Keith Titmuss finished his HSC just two years ago and was part of the selective schools’ rugby league program.
Westfields Sports High paid tribute to its former student, saying “he epitomised all that a student of Westfields Sports should strive for”.
“A finer young man has never walked the grounds of this school,” a school statement read.
“He will hold a place in the heart of all who knew him and will be greatly missed.”
Titmuss also played for the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles in the NSWRL.
The club expressed its sympathy to the Titmuss family.
“The Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles is saddened to hear about the passing of player Keith Titmuss,” the club wrote in its Facebook page.
“Our deepest condolences go to his family and friends.”
