Jackson_1994
Kennel Enthusiast
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2018
- Messages
- 2,291
- Reaction score
- 7,194
Former Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos player Mitch Cronin has died suddenly, aged just 27.
The hooker was found dead in his swimming pool by family members after cooling off following a weights session on Friday afternoon.
Cronin was part of the Canberra system for many years where David Furner, now an assistant coach at the Newcastle Knights, transformed him from a fullback.
Although never making an appearance in the NRL Cronin did play in the Auckland Nines for the Raiders and also the Broncos, whom he joined after leaving Canberra.
Injuries saw him drop down a level where he played for and captained his beloved Wynnum-Manly Seagulls more than 100 times, culminating in reaching last year’s Queensland Cup Grand Final - the club’s first since 2012.
He had not given up on making an appearance in the NRL and was working hard towards a return to the top level.
Tributes were paid to Cronin, who would have turned 28 next week, by his former teammates on social media following the tragic news.
Former Raider, Jordan Rapana wrote: “Man I still don’t want to believe it! You got me through some of the toughest times of my life! I love you my brother, fly high you absolute legend, love you forever brother! Okioki teina... QUEENSLANDER!!
My mate who became my best mate. I’m going to miss you so much Cro. I love you mate,” Seagulls’ Pat Templeman said.
“I wish I had the right words, but I don’t. I wish I could run out with you one more time, but I can’t. I wish I could have one more beer with you, but most of all, I wish you were still here. Love you brother,” wrote former Seagull Daniel Ogden.
The hooker was found dead in his swimming pool by family members after cooling off following a weights session on Friday afternoon.
Cronin was part of the Canberra system for many years where David Furner, now an assistant coach at the Newcastle Knights, transformed him from a fullback.
Although never making an appearance in the NRL Cronin did play in the Auckland Nines for the Raiders and also the Broncos, whom he joined after leaving Canberra.
Injuries saw him drop down a level where he played for and captained his beloved Wynnum-Manly Seagulls more than 100 times, culminating in reaching last year’s Queensland Cup Grand Final - the club’s first since 2012.
He had not given up on making an appearance in the NRL and was working hard towards a return to the top level.
Tributes were paid to Cronin, who would have turned 28 next week, by his former teammates on social media following the tragic news.
Former Raider, Jordan Rapana wrote: “Man I still don’t want to believe it! You got me through some of the toughest times of my life! I love you my brother, fly high you absolute legend, love you forever brother! Okioki teina... QUEENSLANDER!!
My mate who became my best mate. I’m going to miss you so much Cro. I love you mate,” Seagulls’ Pat Templeman said.
“I wish I had the right words, but I don’t. I wish I could run out with you one more time, but I can’t. I wish I could have one more beer with you, but most of all, I wish you were still here. Love you brother,” wrote former Seagull Daniel Ogden.
