The Wests Tigers are mourning the death of premiership winner Sid Ryan, who was Balmain's oldest first grade player.

Ryan played 104 first grade games for the Tigers between 1943-1951, winning first grade premierships in 1944 and 1947.

He formed a second row combination with Harry Bath in what is widely considered the greatest ever Balmain side.

Ryan also represented City against Country and, following his playing days, embarked on a successful coaching career with both Balmain and St George as well as becoming a representative selector.

He is a member of the Balmain Tigers Hall of Fame.

"Sid Ryan was not only one of the great players to have played with our club, but he was one of those great characters upon which the culture of the club was built," Tigers chairman david Trodden said.

"He was our oldest living first grade player and his loss will be sorely felt.

"He typified everything that is Balmain Tigers."

Sid Ryan passed away on Monday at Ryde, in Sydney's northwest after a short illness.

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