New Zealand international Quentin Pongia has been remembered as "a true champion with a heart of gold" after he died after a battle with bowel cancer on Saturday morning, aged 48.

Quentin Pongia died on Saturday morning after battling bowel cancer. Credit:Stuart Walmsley

He forged a legacy as one of rugby league's toughest enforcers and helped the Canberra Raiders to their last premiership in 1994.

"From my personal relationship, and behalf of the current playing group, I'd like to pass on my sincere condolences to Quentin's family in this tough time," Pongia's former teammate and current Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said. "Like a number of players who played with him, I have nothing but respect and a wonderful friendship with Quentin and although it saddens me to hear of the news, it comforts me to know he has no pain now.

"Quentin is the toughest individual I have ever played with and I know how hard he fought to beat this terrible disease. He will be sorely missed right across the rugby league community."