The Wests Tigers are in mourning after it was reported that rising prop Mosese Fotuaika was found dead at his Sydney home on Thursday evening.
A member of the club’s 2012 NYC Championship winning side, Fotuaika’s body was reportedly discovered by his girlfriend at an address in the suburb of Merrylan
“At about 6.50pm (AEDT) Police from Holroyd area command were called to a town house in Merrylands,” A NSW police spokesperson said.
“Afterwards a 20-year-old man was found deceased inside the premises.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner.”
Meanwhile, Tigers players took to Twitter to offer their condolences.
“Such a sad end to the day. R.I.P big Moses, such a great kid and gone way to young. Be sorely missed by everyone at the club.#brothers,” Tim Moltzen tweeted.
“RIP Moses absolutely shattered, gone too young,” tweeted prop Aaron Woods.
Former Tigers forward Andrew Fifita tweeted: “My heart goes out to your family brother. Gone way too soon. Still can’t believe it. Rip brother. #Mosese Fotuaika”
Tigers CEO Stephen Humphreys said everyone at the club was shattered with the news.
“He was a player of great potential and a very popular and respected member of our club,” Humphreys said.
“We are all deeply shocked and devastated by the news of his death. I have been in regular contact with his family and partner and are providing them with all of the comfort and support we can in this most difficult time. We have ensured they have had adequate time to contact family members before making an official statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
“Our players and staff have met together this morning to support each other. With the assistance of the NRL, we have begun to provide professional counselling as they try to come to terms with what has happened.
“We request everyone to respect the sensitive nature of this situation and the privacy of all concerned.”
NRL CEO Dave Smith echoed the Tigers thoughts.
This is an absolute tragedy and our heart goes out to Mosese’s family and to his team-mates,” Smith said.
“I think everyone is trying to come to grips with what has happened.
“We have been in close contact with the club to assist in terms of counselling and support and the Rugby League family will pull together to help people get through this difficult time.”
The 2012 Junior Kiwi, who was due to celebrate his 21st birthday this month, was the second-eldest of nine siblings.
Born in New Zealand to parents of Tongan descent, Fotuaika moved to Australia to attend Keebra Park High School; a long standing production line of Tigers talent including Benji Marshall.
He was a stand-out performer in the Tigers NYC side that defeated Canberra 46-6 in the final last year and was later rewarded with a spot in John Ackland’s Junior Kiwis side.
Having worked his way up the ranks at Campbelltown Stadium, Fotuaika was set to make his NRL debut after featuring strongly during pre-season trials under Mick Potter.
