Wests Tigers players will wear black armbands in the traditional NRL clash with South Sydney at the SCG on Sunday as a mark of respect for 1969 premiership captain Peter Provan.

Balmain great Provan, the younger brother of St George legend Norm Provan, passed away at age 73 on Thursday after a long illness.

After 14 games for St George between 1958-60, the rangy lock joined the Tigers, where he played 162 games between 1961-69.

His finest hour came in the 1969 decider, when he defied injury to lead Balmain to a courageous win over South Sydney, arguably the most famous Tigers victory of all time.

Provan retired immediately after the match, having also played one Test for Australia in 1963.

He had also played in two losing grand finals against the Dragons in 1964 and 1966.

With Norm Provan, Peter Provan was one of the only sets of brothers to lead teams to grand final victories.

"The Tigers have lost one of the most famous and most respected figures in the history of our club," Balmain Tigers chairman David Trodden said in a statement.

"He led us to perhaps our greatest grand final win ever. For that reason alone, he will always have a very special place in our memory."

A minute's silence will also be observed prior to kick-off on Sunday.

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