Emotional Bears honour rival and ‘great person’ after shock death

Burleigh Bears have paid tribute to a long-time rival, hailing him as a “great person”.

A FORMER Titan and the Burleigh Bears have paid tribute to Mitch Cronin, hailing the late Wynnum captain as a “great person” and “gentle soul”.

Former Raiders and Broncos squad member Cronin, 27, was found dead on Friday following what’s been described as a “training accident”.

The Intrust Super Cup star did a weights session at his parents’ home in Brisbane before deciding to cool down in their backyard pool.

He was later discovered face down in the pool by family members.

It is understood there are no suspicious circumstances with Cronin having suffered a suspected heart attack.

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Luke Page from Burleigh Bears and Mitch Cronin from Wynnum Manly Seagulls posing at Redcliffe Jetty for a grand final preview. (AAP Image/Attila Csaszar)

David Mead, who played 147 games for the Titans before linking with Brisbane in 2017, led the tributes for the player.

“Very said news hearing about the passing of Mitch Cronin. Played with him @WynnumSeagulls,” he tweeted.

“Tough as nails on the field and a gentle soul off it. R.I.P mate.”

The utility lined up against the Bears in last year’s ISC decider.

Burleigh captain Luke Page was among those to have been close to Cronin, after their time together at Canberra.

Mitch Cronin. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

“The entire rugby league community was saddened by the passing of Mitch Cronin,” Bears CEO Damien Driscoll said.

“A number of Burleigh players were close with Mitch having played with him at club and rep level.

“He was a player respected for his ability but more so as a quality person within the Intrust Super Cup and wider rugby league community.”

Cronin had a stellar career in the game, playing more than 100 games for his beloved Seagulls and last season led the team to their first grand final start since 2012.

Cronin’s manager Paul Hogan confirmed the tragic death over the weekend.

“It is a tragic loss of life,” 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.

“We are all shattered.”