FORMER Hull KR coach Justin Morgan has spoken of his sadness at the death of former star Ryan Tandy.
Mr Tandy, who played at Craven Park in 2007, was found dead from a suspected drug overdose in his parents' home in New South Wales, Australia.
Police were called to the 32-year-old's address at 4am UK time yesterday after reports he had died.
Mr Morgan, who was KR coach from 2005 to 2011, said: "I only spoke to him three weeks ago and he seemed in pretty good spirits.
"Ryan's death has hit everyone hard.
"He was one of those guys who was full of energy.
"He did a great job at Hull KR."
Mr Tandy's death is not being treated as suspicious and the player's mother is understood to have discovered her son's body.
According to local media, Australian-born Mr Tandy was a known drug user.
After leaving Hull KR, Mr Tandy played two matches for Sydney-based club Wests Tigers, in 2008.
He played in Melbourne Storm's 2009 Grand Final win against Parramatta Eels before making a mid-season switch to Canterbury Bulldogs the following season.
While playing for Canterbury in 2010, Mr Tandy was convicted of match fixing.
An investigation was launched after a $30,000 (£16,561) betting plunge on the game.
Mr Tandy attempted to make money off the first scoring player of the game.
He was fined $4,000 (£2,208) and placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond.
Mr Tandy was sacked early in the 2011 season and he never played in Australia's National Rugby League again.
He was on bail after being charged in January with allegedly kidnapping a man over a supposed drug debt.
Police had alleged that Mr Tandy was the "hired muscle" for two other men who were trying to recoup money from the victim.
Mr Morgan said: "Ryan had some issues.
"We all make mistakes in life.
"But everyone who knew him does not want to think about that now.
"We want to think about the Ryan Tandy we all knew – the good fellow who was full of energy."
In a statement, Hull KR said: "The club is shocked and saddened by the news of the death of former player Ryan Tandy.
"Ryan served Hull KR with distinction during his time with the club and our thoughts go out to his friends and family at this difficult time."
Former team-mate Paul Cooke said: "Very sad news about Ryan Tandy.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends at such a sad time."
