St George Illawarra are deeply saddened by the passing of Dragons legend and rugby league immortal Graeme Langlands.

Following a long battle with illness, the four-time grand final winning fullback passed away in his sleep on Saturday evening. Langlands was 76.

Born in Wollongong, Langlands first came into rugby league reckoning upon being selected for the New South Wales City Firsts and subsequently NSW firsts thereafter in 1962.

Joining the Dragons in 1963, 'Changa' went on to play 227 games across 14 seasons, and to this day is the most prolific pointscorer in the club's history (1554 points – 86 tries, 648 goals). Langlands was also the captain-coach of the Red V in the final five years of his career.

Langlands also made his debut for Australia in 1963 and went on to play 45 Tests – the fourth-most appearances by any player in the Kangaroos' history. So skilful a player, Langlands spent the first four years of his Test career in the centres.

In 1999, Langlands joined fellow Dragons Johnny Raper and Reg Gasnier as one of rugby league's immortals. In 2008, the game's centenary, Langlands was selected on the bench in Australian Rugby League's Team of the Century.

He was also awarded a MBE for his contribution to rugby league upon his retirement from the game and inducted into Australia Sport's Hall of Fame in 1986.

Funeral details are yet to be determined and will be communicated at a later date.