Nerang Bulls player Navar Herbert remembered as ‘amazing father, husband, son and brother’ at emotional service

Gold Coast rugby union player Navar Herbert has been remembered as a loving father, husband, son and brother at an emotional ceremony attended by hundreds of mourners. SEE THE VIDEO

YOUNG dad Navar Herbert has been remembered as an “amazing father, husband, son and brother” at an emotional service at the Nerang Bulls clubhouse.

The popular prop, 22, died after a battle with brain cancer on Tuesday, just a day after marrying his partner Maia.

The pair have a one-year-old son together.

At the service this morning Maia turned her back on the crowd and spoke directly to Navar’s open casket as she broke down in tears.

“You are the love of my life and father to our son, I love you with all my heart,” she said.

“From the first day I met you I knew I needed you.”

Older sister Jornay Herbert said while she and her brother would fight like cats and dogs, they were always quick to make up.

“He was an amazing father, husband, son and brother,” she said.

Ms Herbert said Navar was also a talented painter.

A large crowd of mourners watches as the hearse carrying much-loved player Navar Herbert arrives at Nerang Bulls Rugby Union club this morning.

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Navar had played for the Nerang Bulls Rugby Union team since age 5, and was a much-loved member of the rugby community.

Players past and present were joined by family from Australia and New Zealand for the funeral this morning, many wearing white and some donning T-shirts with his picture.

The service, which included traditional Maori elements, was intended to be “a celebration of Navar’s life”, Pastor Wayne Moses told those gathered.

Schoolmates from Keebra State High School and Palm Beach Currumbin State High School shared cheeky schoolyard tales, and said he was a good friend and loving husband.

Family members, including father Cameron “Bushy” Herbert, thanked supporters for coming together in recent days.

Navar Herbert was remembered as a loving father to his one-year-old son. Picture: Supplied.

In a statement Navar’s mother Vanessa Herbert said Navar had been dealt a tough hand in life.

“We tried everything we could, tried every pill, potion and poison but we were defeated,” Ms Herbert said.

“We would have traded places with you in the blink of an eye.

“(He was) always determined, thoughtful and a joker, strong-minded and never complaining.

“I hope they have awesome footy fields where you are.”

A Go Fund Me page has raised more than $83,000 in just two days to help fly Navar’s body back to New Zealand to be laid to rest.

CLICK HERE to donate.