Tara Gau was PNG Kumul number 13 when he made his debut in the front row in PNG’s inaugural Test against England in 1975 in Port Moresby.
Gau, from Porebada played seven tests and retired in the late 1980s.
He was awarded Member of the British Empire (MBE) medal by the Queen in 1982 for his services and contributions to the sport of rugby league.
Tsaka said the passing of Gau had come as a shock to the rugby league community.
