Former Broncos player and current Wynnum Manly Seagulls captain Mitch Cronin found dead
The rugby league community is in mourning after the tragic death of Mitch Cronin - a former Broncos player and current captain of Wynnum Manly Seagulls - in a ‘training accident’.
Southeast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Southeast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE rugby league community is in mourning after the sudden death of former Broncos player and current Wynnum Manly Seagulls captain Mitchell Cronin.
Cronin, just 27, was found dead yesterday afternoon following a ‘training accident’.
Cronin did a weights session yesterday afternoon at his parents’ home in Brisbane before deciding to cool down with a swim in their backyard pool.
He was later discovered face down in the pool by family members.
The star utility had a stellar career in the game, after being part of the Brisbane Broncos and Canberra Raiders NRL squad, he went on to play more than 100 games for his beloved Seagulls and last season led the team to its first grand final appearance since 2012.
MORE NEWS: GAME ON: BROADCASTERS GREEN LIGHT NRL RESUMPTION
Cronin is one of the most distinguished players in Queensland’s premier league competition, the Intrust Super Cup, having captained the Seagulls in last year’s grand-final loss to the Burleigh Bears.
Cronin’s manager Paul Hogan this morning confirmed the tragic death.
It is understood there are no suspicious circumstances with Cronin having suffered a suspected heart attack.
“It is a tragic loss of life,” Hogan said.
“He really was a lovely young man. Everyone in the Queensland Cup held him in such high regard.
“This has left Wynnum club, their players and myself totally shocked.
“He was an outstanding young man and my thoughts are with his family.
“We are all shattered.”
Queensland Rugby League boss Rob Moore sent an email to QRL directors last night notifying them of Cronin’s death in what was described as a “training accident”.
Cronin was due to celebrate his 28th birthday on Anzac Day and had just passed a course to become a firefighter.
The versatile utility had a stint at the Canberra Raiders in 2012 and while he never played NRL, he appeared for the club at the NRL Nines tournament.
Cronin later joined the Brisbane Broncos where he played for feeder-club Wynnum Manly.
Cronin received an offer to play in France last year but was unable to head overseas due to visa issues.
A Clairvaux MacKillop College graduate, Cronin was named skipper of the Seagulls last year and was loved by his teammates, coaches, fans and everyone at the club because of his genuine and caring personality.
Cronin made his debut in the Intrust Super Cup in 2014 with the Souths Logan Magpies, reaching a total of 103 games and scoring 37 tries.
Some of his teammates have paid tribute to their mate on social media.
“My mate who became my best mate. I’m going to miss you so much Cro. I love you mate,” Seagulls playmaker 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,” former Seagull Daniel Ogden said.
Terribly sad day for rugby league and the @WynnumSeagulls with news of the death of club captain Mitch Cronin. Just 27 years old. Give strength to his family and friends. Rest in Peace Mitch. @IntrustSuperCup @QLDmaroons @FOXNRL
— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) April 17, 2020
Cronin saw Wynnum officials as late as Thursday when he stopped into the club to pick up some weights to add to his home gym for workouts.
He did a weights session yesterday just moments before the pool mishap which tragically ended his life.
An autopsy is expected to be held in the coming days.
R.I.P. Mitch Cronin...way too young
— Joe REDV YNWA (@dragons2194) April 17, 2020
Tragic news about Mitch Cronin. Sad day for the whole rugby league community #IntrustSuperCup
— Mitch (@bornin1998) April 17, 2020
Devastated for the RL community up in Qld today, sending my strength to the @WynnumSeagulls club. My thoughts are with Mitch Cronin's family and friends, so sad.
— Tim (@TimothyJ_23) April 17, 2020
Rest In Peace Mitch Cronin. Such a terrible accident. What a tragedy. Thoughts with his family, teammates & many friends. Gone far too young. Life is very precious.
— Peter Psaltis (@peterp79) April 17, 2020
In a statement, Wynnum Manly Seagulls chief executive Hanan Laban said the club was devastated to loss Mr Cronin who was set to lead the club again this year before the COVID-19 hiatus.
“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,” said Mr Laban.
“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.
“He 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.
“He was fearless on the field, yet kind and modest off it – Mitch is forever in our hearts.”
Former Raiders teammate Jordan Rapana was among the many players to post tributes on social media.
“Man I still don’t want to believe it,” he wrote.
“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!!!!”
Mitch played 108 Intrust Super Cup games, including 85 appearances for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
Nuisance flying-fox colony funds for councils as temps soar
Seven councils will receive extra state funding to manage problem flying-fox roosts, as complaints from residents escalate about the bats’ noise, overpowering stench, and increased health hazards.
Scramble to fix $2m typo in SEQ hospital foundation finances
An extra $2 million has been added on paper to the line accounts for one of the state’s busiest hospital foundations in a blunder spotted by the Queensland Audit Office.