Rugby league will long remember one of its great pioneers and First Nations champions Lionel Morgan following his passing aged 85 earlier this month.

Acknowledged as the first person who identified as Indigenous to represent Australia in any major code, Morgan played 3 tests in 1960 and featured in that year's world cup campaign in England.

He also represented Queensland 16 times between interstate matches and against touring international teams.

A Tweed Seagulls and Tweed All Blacks product, and NSW Primary Schools representative, Morgan left his most indelible mark over the border with Wynnum Manly in Brisbane's senior rugby league competition.

Still a Seagull, just in different colours, Morgan played over 100 first grade matches for Wynnum Manly between 1959 and 1968, according to the club.

A devastating try scorer on the wing, call-ups to the Brisbane city, state and Australia representative sides soon followed.

He was the first man to pull on the green and gold out of Wynnum, scoring twice on debut against France.

Morgan still holds the club record for most tries in a match from when he crossed over six times for the Seagulls against Souths in 1964.

He later scored the first try at their now famous home ground at Kougari Oval when it opened in 1967.

Morgan was with Wynnum Manly's captain-coach for three seasons toward the end of his career.

The club honoured their champion as the first member of their 'walk of fame' at the their front entry gate, and has his named attached to their player of the match award when the Seagulls have travelled to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) for Indigenous recognition games in recent years.

Sons David, Brad, Earl and Chris all followed their dad playing for Wynnum Manly through their rugby league careers.

Morgan also coached and mentored Indigenous age sides.

"Uncle Lionel was a great leader, mentor, and elder of our community, an inspiration for many. His legacy must never be forgotten but continued for future First Nation generations to follow," QRL Indigenous Advisory Committee member Edward Monaei told Queensland Rugby League.

During his playing years, Morgan was made to deal with racism on and off the field.

Unable to obtain a passport ahead of travelling to England with the Kangaroos in 1960, special effort had to be made to allow him to join the team.

"Dad wasn't allowed to get a passport to go to England so it had to be arranged for him," his son, Earl, told ABC.

"Indigenous men and women were still classified as flora and fauna in those days and here we are 63 years later talking about a voice to parliament and truth treaty.

"Dad's message to young Indigenous kids was clear — no one will give you anything but if you give hard work then someone will take you on board and give you an opportunity and that's what he did."

Morgan died on September 16 after a recent battle with poor health.

He didn't drink or smoke, with loved ones and rugby league voices echoing fond memories of his character, legacy and path he carved out for others.

ARL chair Peter V'landys said Morgan was a "trailblazer".

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

Morgan was named at wing in the Indigenous team of the century in 2008, and Brisbane Rugby League team of the century in 2022.

There have been efforts to acknowledge him with induction into the NRL Hall of Fame.