St George Illawarra and Cronulla cult hero Lance Thompson has died aged 40 – sending shockwaves through the rugby league community.

It has been reported Thompson was found in his Cronulla unit on Thursday night by his 17-year-old daughter.

Police say the death was not suspicious and may have been a “medical incident”.

The red-headed forward debuted in 1995 and played 239 games for the Dragons and Sharks.

He also represented City Origin on five occasions.

I am absolutely numb at the news of Lance Thompson passing away.If you watched Lance on The Fan this year,you would appreciate what a genuine & hard working man he was. Shattered for his family.He proved you dont need to have won GF's or played for your country to be a champion.

— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) August 23, 2018

Lance Thompson update: Police saying no evidence of self harm more likely his shock death is a medical episode. Very sad. @tendailyau @TenNewsSydney

— Steve Hart (@SteveHartNews) August 23, 2018

Very sad to hear the passing of Lance Thompson overnight, one of my childhood favourites and a local hero who I looked up to and was lucky enough to get to know over the years, champion bloke and player. Rest In Peace Mate! pic.twitter.com/0K5yWQK3g7

— Keith Galloway (@kgalloway85) August 23, 2018

Terribly sad news of Lance Thompson’s passing. Had a beer with him last Thursday. My god! RIP Thommo. Thoughts with his family and friends

— Darryl Brohman OAM (@therealbigmarn) August 23, 2018

The Lance Thompson news is so shit. Feel really sorry for his daughter who found him.

— Curtis Woodward (@woodward_curtis) August 23, 2018

Moley has a tear in his eye…
RIP Lance Thompson.

— The Mole (@9_Moley) August 23, 2018

RIP Lance Thompson.

The type of guy that was more worried about others coping than himself… this one hurts.

Love you Red ❤️

— Andy Raymond (@Andy_Raymond) August 23, 2018

Prayers for the Family and Friends of Lance Thompson. Very sad.

What a talent he was! The best 16yo player according to recruitment doyen Peter O’Sullivan.

Within 3 months he went from playing @NRL_Dragons U’17s to First Grade with honours

RIP Lance

— Joel Caine (@JoelCaine) August 23, 2018