Kevin Humphreys, once the most powerful administrator in rugby league, has passed away in Sydney at the age of 80.

The former Balmain, NSWRL and ARL boss had been battling diabetes for several years.

After playing for the Tigers during the 1950s, he became Balmain secretary in 1965 and NSWRL president and ARL chairman in 1973.

Humphreys oversaw many changes to the game during the 1970s and 80s, including the advent of State of Origin football.

But he quit his posts after the ABC's Four Corners program The Big League made allegations of corruption in the game in 1983 which led to a Royal Commission.

His son, Stephen Humphreys, is the current chief executive of NRL club the Wests Tigers.

The club's players will wear black armbands in Sunday's match against the Sydney Roosters at Campbelltown Stadium.

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