The Manly NRL club are mourning the loss of their colourful first skipper Max Whitehead who has died at age 87.

Whitehead led Manly out for the club's debut match in the then-NSW rugby league competition against Western Suburbs at Brookvale Oval in March 1947.

He joined the Sea Eagles as a second rower from the North Sydney Bears, after being a member of their losing grand final side in 1943 against Newtown.

A popular character around the Northern Beaches throughout the 40s, 50s and 60s - Whitehead was widely known for being the first Chesty Bond character.

He was also a professional lifeguard and wrestler who went by the name of Max Steyne.

Whitehead was a regular at Brookvale Oval and enjoyed a close association with the current NRL team and coach Des Hasler.

In recent years he has been cared for at Drummond House in the Far West Home at Manly and at the War Veterans at Collaroy.

His health had been fine until a recent hip operation led to complications.

He passed away in Mona Vale hospital on Friday.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised.

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