Tears flow at Sonny Fai memorial

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MOURNING: Warriors skipper Steve Price listens to eulogy for Sonny Fai in Otahuhu.

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Former Warriors hard man Reuben Wiki was in tears as he urged a packed memorial service – held to commemorate the late Sonny Fai - to stay strong.

Wiki, a former Kiwi's skipper and NRL legend, was one of many who paid tribute to Fai, who disappeared while swimming at Bethells Beach in January. His body was never recovered.

A crowd of close to 1000 people spilled out onto the street outside the Samoan Methodist Church in Otahuhu, South Auckland.

The 3–hour-service included a who's who of rugby league, with the entire Warrior's contingent out in full force.

They listened to speeches from Fai's family, his girlfriend Jenna Frost, Warriors teammate Jerome Ropati and NRL players Nigel Vagana and Frank Paul.

There were also performances from New Zealand Idol winner – and Fai's cousin - Rosita Vai and R n B band Adeaze.

Wiki urged those who were with Fai when he drowned to stay strong. He also told the Warriors that when times were tough this year they should remember their old teammate.

Fai's manager Peter Brown, who had been with the 20 yr old since he was 14, said South Auckland had lost an inspirational person.

"I am not a religious person but if Sonny is looking down on us I want to say 'miss you mate'.

"The community has lost a real role model, I just hope you are at peace."

- © Fairfax NZ News