Rugby league legend Noel ‘Ned’ Kelly has passed away at the age of 84, his former club confirmed on Sunday. Wests Magpies shared a tribute to the former hooker online yesterday, in which they described the Queensland-born player as a “natural leader”.

“Wests Magpies are saddened to learn of the passing of another much loved Magpie – Noel Kelly OAM,” the tribute read. It continued: “Originally from the Queensland country, and a hooker, Kelly became a Test prop alongside another hard man from the bush, Ian Walsh, and remained equally effective in both positions.

“Noel has remained very close to the club he loved so much today, attending many Pratten Park Magpies player reunions and featuring in Heritage Nights and game day events at all levels.”

A celebrated player, Kelly played 111 games for the Magpies between 1961-1969. He then took over as captain-coach in 1966. In 2008, he was named at hooker for the Australian Rugby League’s Team of the Century, and he was also listed among the 100 Greatest Players of the first century of the game.

Tributes flooded in for Kelly after the news broke, with one footy fan writing: “So sad to hear the passing of Noel Kelly I remember my not so long ago grandfather who has been gone for 7years now talk about Noel and what a great player he was.”

Another commented: “Just an irreplaceable figure in the game. A REAL legend on and off the field. So glad I had the pleasure of meeting him. My condolences.” While another wrote: “Gentleman. Always willing with his time for Men Of League.”