Rugby league great Greg Pierce has died aged 66 after a long battle with illness.

Pierce, Cronulla's first Australian captain, played 210 matches for the Sharks between 1969 and 1980, including the 1973 grand final against Manly.

He played 24 matches for his country and captained Australia in 1978 against New Zealand.

Pierce coached the Sharks in 1981 and 1982 and was named as a club Immortal in 2005.

NRL boss Todd Greenberg paid tribute to Pierce on Saturday.

"Greg was and always will be one of the greatest players to pull on a Cronulla jumper," Greenberg said.

"As an Australian captain, he will forever be a part of a very special club.

"He will be sorely missed by everyone at Cronulla, but also the game which he was such a special part of."

Cronulla also made special note of his contribution to the NRL club.

"One of the greatest players to ever play for the Cronulla-Sutherland club, has passed away," a Sharks statement read.

"On behalf of all players, staff, commercial partners, members and fans, the Sharks offer their condolences to Greg Pierce's family and friends."

Cronulla paid tribute to Pierce on Saturday with a minute silence before the team's round 16 match against the Warriors at Shark Park.

The NRL team wore black armbands in Pierce's honour, winning the game 19-18 in golden point.

AAP/ABC