Former Canberra Raiders player Mitch Cronin dies

The rugby league community is in mourning following the death of former Canberra Raiders squad member Cronin on Friday night.

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls captain was found dead in the swimming pool at his parents' home following a weights session. An autopsy will be completed, with Cronin reportedly suffering a suspected heart attack. He was 27.

Cronin was seen as a star on the rise during his stint in Canberra, yet remained "a quiet achiever with a humble nature" as he came through the rugby league ranks.

Former Raiders star Jordan Rapana led the tributes on social media, posting a series of photos featuring his close mate with a touching message telling Cronin to "fly high", and that he would love him forever.

MORE SPORT

"I came to Canberra around the same time as him and out of sheer luck I got to be roomed up with him back in 2013," Rapana told Fox Sports.

"He was just an all-round top bloke; I just want Australia and the world to know how good of a bloke Mitch is.

"He just had that effect on everyone ... he's one of them guys that's everybody's best mate, has that positive aura and you want to be around him."

Cronin did not feature in a first grade game for the Raiders but pulled on the lime green jersey during a pre-season Auckland Nines tournament in 2014.

He also spent time on the Brisbane Broncos roster before leading Wynnum Manly to a Queensland Cup grand final appearance last year.

Seagulls teammates joined the tributes on social media, with Pat Templeman remembering Cronin as "my mate who became my best mate", adding "I'm going to miss you so much Cro. I love you mate."

"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," wrote former Seagull Daniel Ogden.

"I wish I could have one more beer with you, but most of all, I wish you were still here. Love you brother."

The Raiders sent "their thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Mitch Cronin who recently sadly passed away. Rest in peace."

Cronin was set to lead Wynnum Manly in search of grand final redemption this season before the coronavirus pandemic saw the competition cancelled.

The talented utility is being remembered as an exceptional leader that will leave a lasting legacy with so many, not least of which the Seagulls playing out of Kougari Oval.

"Mitch was an exceptional young man who was loved and respected by his teammates, his coaching staff, our supporters and the wider rugby league community," Seagulls chief executive Hanan Laban said.

"From the moment he arrived at Wynnum he embodied the values of the Seagulls through his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and deep care for his teammates and his club.

"He was a fantastic leader who was genuine, caring and selfless with his actions.

"Mitch was a quiet achiever with a humble nature, who did not need to say too much to be held with enormous respect by his peers.

"He was fearless on the field, yet kind and modest off it - Mitch is forever in our hearts."

Cronin was to celebrate his 28^th birthday on April 25.