Brett Kimmorley's wife Sharnie dies after a battle with illness

Sharnie Kimmorley and husband Brett Kimmorley in 2002. Photo / Getty

Sharnie Kimmorley, the wife of NRL great Brett Kimmorley, has passed away eight months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The 38-year-old leaves behind four daughters and the rugby league community was rallying around the former New South Wales five-eighth, who retired in 2010, last night.

"I can't find adequate words to express the sorrow at the death of Sharnie Kimmorley. Thoughts with Brett, his girls & extended family," commentator Andrew Voss wrote on Twitter.

"Sharnie Kimmorley was 38. Four young girls have lost their Mum. Brett has lost the love of his life. Footy just not important tonight," he added.

Sharnie Kimmorley was 38. Four young girls have lost their Mum. Brett has lost the love of his life. Footy just not important tonight.

— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) March 23, 2017

On behalf of @NRL family we extend our condolences to the Kimmorley family on the passing of Sharnie.Our thoughts with Brett & his daughters

— Todd Greenberg (@Todd_Greenberg) March 23, 2017

We wish to send our condolences to Brett Kimmorley following the passing of his wife Sharnie.

Our thoughts are with you & your family.

— Cronulla Sharks (@Cronulla_Sharks) March 23, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with Brett Kimmorley after the tragic passing of his wife and mother to his beautiful daughters, Sharnie.

— Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (@NRL_Bulldogs) March 23, 2017

Thoughts with Brett Kimmorley and his girls following the terrible news. 🙏🙏🙏

— James Maloney (@jim_jim86) March 23, 2017