Footy star suddenly dies aged just 27 at his home

Former Brisbane Broncos and Canberra Raiders rugby league player Mitch Cronin has died following a believed training accident. 

The 27-year-old utility, who had his sights on playing in the NRL, was found face down in the swimming pool at his parents’ home in Brisbane on Friday. 

Cronin was club captain for the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls and played for the Raiders and Broncos in the Auckland Nines.  

He was on track to become firefighter after recently passing a course and was preparing to celebrate his 28th birthday on Anzac Day.  

Former Brisbane Broncos and Canberra Raiders player Mitch Cronin (right) has died at his home

Pictured: Cronin of the Raiders runs the ball during the NRL trial match between the Melbourne Storm and the Canberra Raiders at AAMI Park on February 8, 2014

Cronin (left with Former Raiders star Jordan Rapana) was on track to become firefighter after recently passing a course and was preparing to celebrate his 28th birthday on Anzac Day

According to The Daily Telegraph, Cronin decided to cool down from a weights session on Friday afternoon by taking a dip in the backyard pool. 

Family members then found him face down in the water. It’s understood Cronin suffered a suspected heart attack. 

Cronin’s manager Paul Hogan confirmed the ‘tragic loss of life’ and said the community was ‘shattered’.  

‘He really was a lovely young man. Everyone in the Queensland Cup held him in such high regard,’ Mr Hogan said.

‘This has left Wynnum club, their players and myself totally shocked.

‘He was an outstanding young man and my thoughts are with his family.’ 

Cronin played more than 100 games for the Seagulls and led them into the grand final last season. 

He stopped by the club on Thursday to pick up some weights for his home workout sessions. Gyms across the country are shut due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Family members found him the 27-year-old face down in a swimming pool. It’s understood Cronin suffered a suspected heart attack

Cronin was club captain for the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls and played for the Raiders and Broncos in the Auckland Nines

Wynnum-Manly Seagulls released a statement on Saturday

In a statement, Wynnum-Manly Seagulls said: ‘We are devastated by the passing of our captain Mitch Cronin and we send out love to Chris, Andrea, Ben, Amy and the Cronin family.’

‘Mitch was an exceptional young man who was loved and respected by his teammates, his coaching staff, our supporters and the wider rugby league community.

‘From the moment he arrived at Wynnum he embodied the values of the Seagulls through his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and deep care for his teammates and his club.’

The Seagulls said Cronin was a ‘fantastic leader’ who was ‘genuine, caring and selfless with his actions’.

‘Mitch was a quiet achiever with a humble nature, who did not need to say too much to be held with enormous respect by his peers,’ the club statement said.

‘He was fearless on the field, yet kind and modest off it – Mitch is forever in our hearts.’   

Former Raiders star Jordan Rapana said he was struggling to come to terms with Cronin’s death in a tribute posted to Instagram (pictured)

Rapana also shared an Instagram story of Cronin and wrote: ‘Always were a man of few words’ 

Former Raiders star Jordan Rapana said he was struggling to come to terms with Cronin’s death in a tribute posted to Instagram.

‘I still don’t want to believe it,’ he wrote. ‘You got me through some of the toughest times of my life.

‘Love you my brother, fly high you absolute legend. Love you forever brother.’ 

NRL commentator Andrew Voss declared it to be a ‘terribly sad day for rugby league’. 

‘Just 27 years old. Give strength to his family and friends. Rest in Peace Mitch,’ he wrote on Twitter. 

According to Fox Sports, Cronin was working hard to crack the NRL after injuries saw him drop down a level.   

Cronin (left) appears to celebrate Christmas with Jordan Rapana (centre)

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk