The rugby league community is rallying behind former NRL star Brett Kimmorley following the death of his wife Sharnie.
Mrs Kimmorley, 38, was diagnosed with brain cancer in June last year. She died this week, surrounded by her family.
She is survived by her husband and their four daughters.
NRL clubs and players sent their condolences to the Kimmorley family as they struggle with their loss.
Michael Ennis, a former teammate of Kimmorley's at the Bulldogs, told Fox Sports that Mrs Kimmorley had fought her illness until the "devastating" end.
Ennis said he and his wife had spent a lot of time with the Kimmorleys, and were extremely close to them.
"[Sharnie] fought as hard as she could until the end, and in the end the illness got her," he said.
"It's just a real tragic time for Brett and the four young girls. We are lucky in these situations to have rugby league around us, and he [Brett] has got plenty of support in that regard, but it's a difficult time for everyone, especially Brett and his four girls."
Newcastle Knights great Matthew Johns said Kimmorley - nicknamed "Noddy" throughout his 307-game playing career - was a dedicated family man.
"It's absolutely terrible. And Noddy is one of the great family men too. He was a great husband to Sharnie and those four girls, it is absolutely terrible. Here we send our deepest condolences," he said.
During his career, Kimmorley won a premiership, a Clive Churchill medal and represented NSW and Australia on numerous occasions.
Many of his former teammates and the NRL clubs he represented -??? including the Bulldogs, Melbourne Storm, Cronulla Sharks and Newcastle Knights - posted messages of support following news of his wife's death.
On behalf of the #NRL, our thoughts and prayers go out to Brett Kimmorley & his family after the tragic loss of Sharnie Kimmorley.??? NRL (@NRL) March 23, 2017
We wish to send our condolences to Brett Kimmorley following the passing of his wife Sharnie.
Our thoughts are with you & your family.??? Cronulla Sharks FC (@Cronulla_Sharks) March 23, 2017
On behalf of @NRL family we extend our condolences to the Kimmorley family on the passing of Sharnie.Our thoughts with Brett & his daughters??? Todd Greenberg (@Todd_Greenberg) March 23, 2017
The thoughts & prayers of the Club are with Brett Kimmorley and his daughters on the tragic passing of their beautiful mum and wife Sharnie??? Melbourne Storm (@storm) March 23, 2017
ON behalf of the @ANZStadium team, our hearts go out to good friend Brett Kimmorley & his family after the passing of beautiful Sharnie #RIP??? ANZ Stadium (@ANZStadium) March 23, 2017
Sharnie Kimmorley was 38. Four young girls have lost their Mum. Brett has lost the love of his life. Footy just not important tonight.??? Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) March 23, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with Brett Kimmorley after the tragic passing of his wife and mother to his beautiful daughters, Sharnie. ?????? NRL Bulldogs (@NRL_Bulldogs) March 23, 2017
Very sad news and condolences to Brett Kimmorley & four beautiful daughters and family on the passing of Sharnie - heartbreaking stuff RIP??? Wendell Sailor (@RealBigDell) March 23, 2017
