Emotional Beau Ryan breaks down after death of trailblazing NRL player agent Wayne Beavis

A tearful Beau Ryan has revealed he and Brad Fittler went to visit trailblazing player agent Wayne Beavis just hours before the talent manager’s death.

Beavis, who looked after several of rugby league’s biggest names, died on the Gold Coast on Sunday night after battling health issues in recent years.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Beau Ryan pays tribute to Wayne Beavis

The veteran agent was a pioneer in the industry, and went on to be one of the most influential figures in rugby league during the 1990s and through the Super League war.

After first taking on David Gillespie’s affairs in the late 1980s, Beavis’ list of clients included Phil Gould, Steve Menzies, Jarryd Hayne, Trent Barrett, Fittler and Ryan.

“I went up with Brad Fittler,” Ryan said on Triple M Breakfast.

“He has had some health battles and he has been fighting extremely hard.

“He is someone I met when I was 21 and he has been not only my manager … but my mentor and someone I look up to.

“He is someone that instilled the importance of family in me and to look after those around you and look after people you love.

“Unfortunately last night after we left him … he lost his battle.”

The tears began to flow as Ryan struggled to get out his words.

“I am glad we made it up there but he means so much to so many people,” he continued.

“My phone hasn’t stopped ringing this morning.

“I’ve been trying to hang on. But I can’t, man. And I didn’t want to say anything. I didn’t want to do anything.

“I was just trying to be professional and get on with it. But I didn’t really sleep last night. And I just thought I’d come in here and be with you guys and I’d be all right.

“But I’m not doing OK.

“But I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s like a father to us. He was the first football manager. First rugby league manager. Very first.

“But he’s a man that will be sorely missed. A man who’ll never be replaced.

“I owe everything I have got to Wayne Beavis.”

Beavis remained one of the game’s most influential figures well into the 21st century, including through Hayne’s move to the NFL.

He officially stepped away from managing in 2017, but remained a large figure in the game.

His death comes just a week after fellow player agent and former New Zealand rugby league figure Stan Martin passed away.

Martin managed several current NRL players, including Brandon Smith and Chanel Harris-Tavita.

- With 7NEWS.com.au