Nicknamed "The Mayor of Parramatta", Thornett played for the Eels between 1962 and 1971, where he starred at fullback.

The club’s annual players' player award as well as a grandstand at the Eels' home ground are named in his honour.

He was named in the list of Australia's 100 greatest players on the game's centenary in 2008 and played 12 Tests for Australia.

He was inducted as one of the inaugural members of the Eels Hall of Fame in 2002.

Thornett helped the club to its first finals series in 1962.

He spent six seasons playing fullback for English league side Leeds, scoring 19 tries in 131 matches.

"It is with deep regret that the club has learnt of the death of 1961 Championship winning fullback Ken Thornett," the Rhinos said in a staement.

"He was a dangerous attacking player and safe under pressure. It is said English bookies gave up giving odds on when he would drop a ball."

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg passed on his well wishes to Thornett’s family.

"Sad to hear of the passing of the great Ken Thornett. On behalf of all of us at @NRL we send our condolences to his family," he tweeted.