Australia rugby league representative and acclaimed broadcaster Ferris Ashton died on Tuesday aged 86 after a brief battle with illness.

Ashton played 27 matches for the Kangaroos, including eight Tests, and was a member of the 1952-53 Kangaroos tour. He played 84 games for the Eastern Suburbs (now Sydney Roosters) from 1950-56, and five matches for NSW.

After serving on board the destroyer HMAS Quickmatch in World War II, Ashton turned to rugby league where he made his name as a ball-playing forward with the tricolours, where he was captain-coach in 1954.

Upon retirement Ashton turned his hand to the media where his battles with Rex Mossop on `Controversy Corner’ became famous.

“The club extends their heartfelt sympathies to Ashton’s wife Patricia and to their children Michael, Michelle, Kelly and Greg and their families,” the Roosters said in a statement.

“His legacy and passion for our proud club and the game of rugby league will never be forgotten.”

NRL interim chief executive Shane Mattiske paid tribute to Ashton’s contribution to the game.

“Ferris was one of rugby league’s great players and characters and the thoughts of everyone in the game are with his family at this time,” Mattiske said.

“His contribution to the game as a player, commentator and ambassador was amazing.”