Manly players wore black armbands and coach Des Hasler expressed his club's sorrow after Sea Eagles forward Glenn Hall's family tragedy forced him out of Friday night's NRL qualifying final against Melbourne.

Hall's first child, named Lachlan Mark, was stillborn on Thursday night after complications developed with his wife Kylie's pregnancy.

The 28-year-old forward returned to Sydney to be with his wife and missed the 40-12 defeat by Melbourne, after originally being named on the bench.

"Kylie and I are grateful to the family and friends who have extended their thoughts and prayers at this most difficult of times," Hall said in a statement issued by the club.

"We would ask that our privacy be respected and that, instead of sending flowers, well-wishers can make a donation through www.stillbirthfoundation.org.au.

"My immediate concern is for Kylie at this moment.

"We thank my team-mates for their love and understanding."

Hasler said all at the club were coming to terms with the news, and were thinking of Hall and his wife during their difficult time.

"It's a very sad thing for Glenn and Kylie and our deepest thoughts are with them," Hasler said following Friday night's match.

Hall is due to join English Super League club Bradford on a three-year deal next season, the club where former Sea Eagles team-mate Steve Menzies currently plays.

The Stillbirth Foundation aims to fund and encourage research and increase awareness of the issue.

It says one in every 140 babies born in Australia is stillborn.

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