Memorial at Shore’s Edge

Missing Warriors rugby league player Sonny Fai, 20, is remembered with wreaths and garlands at a memorial on Te Henga, Bethells Beach, in Auckland, a poignant image included in a Los Angeles Times photo gallery. Fai was swimming with his brother on January 4, 2009 when he was caught in a rip and disappeared. His body has not been recovered. Before their first game of the season with the Eels in Auckland, which they won 26–18, the Warriors held a minute’s silence for Fai. The game recognised both the life of Fai and the 300th NRL appearance of captain Steve Price. Warriors back rower Micheal Luck says it was an emotional night. “Pricey’s 300th, that’s magic. There are not many blokes that will play that many and to witness one here tonight is pretty good. “And for Sonny as well, it’s very good mate, very good.” In 2007, Fai was named the Warriors Under-20 Player of the Year.

Sonny Fai: 20 March 1988 – 4 January 2009