Titan David Mead leads tributes for former Bronco, dead at 27

The rugby league community is in mourning after the shock death of a former Broncos player, aged 27.

ONE-time Titans star David Mead is leading the tributes after the shock death of a former Broncos player.

Mitch Cronin, 27, was found dead yesterday afternoon following a “training accident”.

The Wynnum Seagulls Intrust Super Cup captain 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.

Mead, who played 147 games for the Titans before linking with Brisbane in 2017, led the tributes for the player who lined up against Burleigh in last year’s ISC grand final.

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

David Mead. Picture David Clark/AAP

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

Very said news hearing about the passing of Mitch Cronin. Played with him @WynnumSeagulls . Tough as nails on the field and a gentle soul off it. R.I.P mate ❤️

— David Mead (@davidmead411) April 17, 2020

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.

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.

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“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.”

Mitch Cronin of the Seagulls runs with the ball during the Intrust Super Cup Grand Final against Burleigh Bears. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

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.

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.