The brother of a rising rugby league player who died suddenly last week has posted a heartbreaking video of the final moments they spent together.
Noah Johannssen, who was a member of Norths’ NSW Cup team, died late last week, just weeks before his 23rd birthday.
Noah’s brother Ben posted a video of the pair having one final hug with their other brother Tim, with a caption that read ‘The last goodbye’.
‘We have pretty much the whole last week spent together on film for the “vlogs” we were making,’ Ben wrote, referring to the siblings recording material for their podcast, the Johannssen Diaries.
The video showed Noah hugging his brothers with another person in the background saying: ‘Be safe, boys. See ya, Noah.’
Aussies online sent their best wishes to the family with one saying: ‘Condolences, love and prayers to you and your family. Heartbreaking.’
Ben Johannssen posted a heartbreaking video showing the moment he said a final goodbye to his brother Noah, who died last week
Noah (pictured) has been described as an amazing brother, son, uncle, friend, and an incredible football player
The video showed Noah bidding farewell to his brothers Ben and Tim
‘Very sad news. What a handsome chap with a full life ahead of him,’ another person wrote.
‘So heartbreaking! May he rest in peace. My prayers go out to him and his family,’ a third said.
Noah was a future star and was expected to be part of the Perth Bears’ feeder system heading into 2027, which would have given him a chance to play NRL for the new franchise in its first season.
His other 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.’
The Bears released a statement on their social media in tribute to the young prop.
‘Johannssen had been with the club for just five months but made a lasting impression through his vibrant nature, dedication and the respect he showed to everyone around him,’ the statement said.
Noah Johannssen (right) is pictured with his brother Tim after a game for Newcastle
The Johannssen family has received plenty of support from the rugby league community
Bears CEO Gareth Holmes said Johannssen was ‘a young man of great character’.
Western Suburbs, his previous club, 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.’
As tributes pour in, the cause of Noah’s death has not been publicly disclosed.
Noah, Tim, and younger brother Ben, hosted a podcast called the ‘JOHANNSSEN DIARIES’ on YouTube.
‘We’re back,’ Noah said to open a podcast just last month where he talked about a recent trip to Bali.
Johannssen was playing for Norths in the NSW Cup at the time of his death
‘All I wanted to do, going there, was just chill and focus on a bit of time to myself and not worry about going on my phone.’
Tim then said: ‘A lot of people find it kind of weird just how close we are as siblings. We are very close.’
A GoFundMe has been set up to help support the Johannssen family and has raised nearly $35,000 of its $40,000 target.
Family friend Otis set up the page and described Noah as ‘an amazing brother, son, uncle, and friend, an incredible football player, and someone who truly lit up every room he walked into’.
‘He was known for his kindness, his energy, and the way he could make anyone feel welcome,’ Otis wrote.
‘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
