Australia's first Indigenous international rugby league representative, Lionel Morgan, has passed away, aged 85.

Morgan debuted for the national side against a touring French team in 1960, before travelling to England for the rugby league world cup later that year.

According to reports, special arrangements were made for Morgan to obtain a passport for the overseas tours.

The Queensland Wynnum Manly Seagulls represented Queensland 16 times between 1960-1963, in both interstate matches and against touring international sides.

In 2008 Morgan was named at wing in the Australian rugby league Indigenous team of the century.

ARL commissioned Peter V'landys said he was a "trailblazer of the sport".

"Rugby League is incredibly proud of his legacy as the first ever Indigenous athlete to represent Australia in any major code," he said.

"The Australian Rugby League Commission and everyone across the game will be very saddened by Lionel's passing, but his legacy will remain forever. He was and always will be an inspiration to many of our players."

According to reports, Morgan died over the weekend in Brisbane.

More to come.