NRL mourns Fotuaika

Australia's NRL has expressed its deepest sympathy to the family of Mosese Fotuaika, the Wests Tigers forward who died at his home on Thursday.

New South Wales police confirmed a 20-year-old man had been found dead after they were called to a townhouse in the western Sydney suburb of Merrylands. The death was not being treated as suspicious.

"This is an absolute tragedy and our heart goes out to Mosese's family and to his team-mates," NRL chief executive Dave Smith said.

"I think everyone is trying to come to grips with what has happened.

"We have been in close contact with the club to assist in terms of counselling and support and the rugby league family will pull together to help people get through this difficult time."

Wests chief executive Stephen Humphreys added: "He was a player of great potential and a very popular and respected member of our club.

"We are all deeply shocked and devastated by the news of his death. I have been in regular contact with his family and partner and are providing them with all of the comfort and support we can in this most difficult time. We have ensured they have had adequate time to contact family members before making an official statement.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

"Our players and staff have met together this morning to support each other. With the assistance of the NRL, we have begun to provide professional counselling as they try to come to terms with what has happened.

"We request everyone to respect the sensitive nature of this situation and the privacy of all concerned."

Speaking on behalf of his team-mates, Wests captain Robbie Farah said the playing group were shattered by what has happened.

"Mosese had a great future ahead of him and we will miss him dearly.

"We are a very close knit club and will stick together and support each other during this tough time."