The footy world is mourning rising star Noah Johannssen after the North Sydney and Western Suburbs rugby league player’s tragic death aged just 22.
Johannssen joined Norths’ NSW Cup team – one level below the NRL – five months ago, and had previously been part of the Wests Magpies side.
His brother Tim, who played footy with Noah, remembered his sibling in an emotional post on Saturday night.
‘My f***en brother, my forever love, I’ll always be attached to you bro and I’ll always be so glad for your existence and what you did for me bro, the man you made me be and everything I have today is because you were there for me,’ Tim wrote.
‘So f***en broken but I know I’ll see you again on the other side and you’ll always be with me in spirit, till next time my little buddy.’
Norths hailed Johannssen as a ‘man of great character’ in a club statement on Sunday.
Noah Johannssen (pictured during his time with Wests) has been remembered as ‘an amazing brother, son, uncle, and friend, an incredible football player, and someone who truly lit up every room he walked into’
Johannssen was playing with North Sydney in the NSW Cup – one level below the NRL – when he tragically passed away
Johannssen (right) is pictured with his brother Tim, who wrote, ‘I’ll always be so glad for your existence and what you did for me bro’
‘Noah had been with our NSW Cup team for just five months but quickly made a lasting impression through his vibrant nature, dedication and the respect he showed to everyone around him,’ the statement read.
‘His loss is felt deeply across our playing group, staff, and wider Bears community.
‘CEO Gareth Holmes shared, “Noah was a young man of great character. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”‘
Western Suburbs also released a statement on the tragedy.
‘@westernsuburbsmagpies is saddened to learn of the passing of our former @knockoneffectcup player Noah Johannssen aged 22,’ it read.
‘Noah played 9 games for the Magpies in 2025. He moved across to @northsydneybearsofficial for season 2026.
‘Our thoughts are with the Johannssen Family at this time including his RL [rugby league] brother Tim.’
At the time of writing, a GoFundMe set up to help support the Johannssen family had raised more than $30,000.
A family friend named Otis set up the page and hailed his mate with some heartfelt words.
‘Noah was an amazing brother, son, uncle, and friend, an incredible football player, and someone who truly lit up every room he walked into,’ Otis wrote.
‘He was known for his kindness, his energy, and the way he could make anyone feel welcome.
‘He was deeply loved by his family and everyone who knew him, and his presence will be missed more than words can describe.
‘This sudden loss has been incredibly difficult, and I want to do anything I can to help ease the burden on his family during this time.’
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline on 131 114, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
