Death due to drug overdose, according to reports

Was banned for life due to match-fixing

The controversial former NRL, Hull KR, and Ireland forward Ryan Tandy has been found dead, reportedly after a drug overdose. Tandy was found at his parents’ home on the NSW central coast.

He was found guilty of match-fixing in 2010 and banned for life from the NRL. Police confirmed they found the body of a 32-year-old man in Saratoga about 2 p.m. on Monday. They said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

Tandy played 36 NRL matches for five clubs from 2003. Originally from the central coast, Tandy played for St George Illawarra, South Sydney, Wests Tigers, Melbourne and Canterbury in the NRL, and Hull KR in England.

While playing for Canterbury in 2010, Tandy was found to have placed bets on North Queensland scoring the first points of a match against the Bulldogs with a penalty goal. He gave away a penalty in front of the posts early in the game, but the Cowboys ignored the chance at goal and scored a try instead.

Tandy denied the accusations but in 2011 was found guilty of manipulating the first scoring point of the game.

“I am just numb. Just numb,” said Steve Turner, who played with Tandy at Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs. “He was just such a likeable character, the life of the party. A bit of a joker and just someone we all liked to have around.

“We played in the 2009 premiership team and then when they asked about him coming up to the Dogs, I was all for it. It is just sad that he might be remembered for all the wrong reasons.”

Turner also called for support for former players. “He had his issues away from the field over the past three or four years and they look like they have caught up with him. It is just sad,” Turner said. “We talk about mental health issues in professional sport. I wonder if in rugby league we are doing enough to support our players.”

Australian-born Tandy played for the Robins during the 2007 Super League season, making 12 appearances in total, while he also had spells with Widnes and Whitehaven.

He represented Ireland at the 2008 World Cup, playing a key role as Andy Kelly’s men topped their group before being eliminated in the knockout stages by Fiji.

A statement on Rugby League Ireland’s official website said: “Rugby League Ireland would like to pass on our condolences to the family and friends of Ryan Tandy who sadly passed away today in Saratoga, Australia.

“Ryan was a larger than life character and we would like to express our thanks for the commitment during the World Cup.”