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Football star dies aged 65 after devastating dementia battle


Former Australian football star John Bilbija, who previously played for Balmain, Wests Magpies and South Sydney, has died at age 65 following a battle with dementia

The Australian star, who previously played for Balmain, Wests Magpies and South Sydney, died peacefully in his sleep at his Penrith home. His ex teammate Wayne Innes told Channel Nine: "It's very sad but may have been a blessing in disguise because John was not the same guy we knew and loved." John, who was diagnosed with early onset dementia at age 56, started football as a teenager before switching to rugby in 1978.

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