Tributes are flowing for rugby league champion Johnny Mayes who has lost his battle with a rare and aggressive brain cancer.

It was revealed at the end of April that the Sydney Roosters great only had weeks to live.

But the 78-year-old bravely fought on, dying on Wednesday.

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“A true legend of the game,” the Sydney Roosters said on social media on Wednesday.

“Three-time premiership winner and a key piece in our back-to-back ‘74 & and ‘75 premierships. Rest in peace, Johnny. Forever in our hearts.”

Mayes was a star half-back in the Roosters team that won consecutives premierships in 1974-75.

In fact, he was the first rugby league player to win three successive premierships at multiple clubs.

He won the 1973 NSWRL title before moving to Easts where they won from 1974-75.

Mayes played three tests for Australia in the 1975 World Cup, adding to his 110 appearances for the Roosters, and 24 for Manly.

The halfback started his career at Eastern Suburbs in 1968 before switching to the Sea Eagles after the 1972 season.

He only played one season there but won the Rugby League Week’s Player of the Year Award after scoring 16 tries before returning to Bondi in 1974.

After the news of his death was made public, fans also paid tribute.

Roosters life member and historian Alan Katzmann said Mayes would be remembered “as one of the Roosters’ greatest halbacks”.

“So sad that he has passed away. Pleased he was able to come to Sydney earlier this year to receive his life membership. Our deepest sympathies to his family and all his friends.”

While a fan said: “One of the greats of the club ... thoughts to his family,”

“R.I.P Johnny ... great player and man,” another said.

“Rest in peace Legend,” another said.

The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles were also “deeply saddened” by the death of their premiership-winning halfback.

“A prolific try-scorer, Mayes played in every game in his one season at Manly, including the 1973 Grand Final victory over Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks,” the club said.

“Sea Eagles Player #220, Mayes crossed for 16 tries in 24 appearances in that season, after joining Manly from the Roosters.

“Mayes returned to the Bondi club where he won back-to-back premierships in 1974 and 1975, becoming the first player in history to win three successive premierships at multiple clubs.

“The Sea Eagles extend their sincere condolences to Johnny’s family and friends.”