Otago Rugby League has paid tribute to a player who died in the weekend in a crash in Dunedin.

Josiah Mani was killed when the car he was in caught fire after crashing with a truck on King Edward Street early Saturday morning.

In a post shared on Otago Rugby League’s Facebook page, it reads “it is with great sadness that we let our members know that one of our Dunedin league whanau Josiah Mani has passed this weekend. Our condolences to his family and friends.”

The Kia Toa Tigers rugby league team spent Sunday afternoon remembering Mr Mani.

In a heartbreaking post, his mother Esther Mani said “I think of you in every moment of my life. But sometimes I feel the pain becomes so heavy to control.life without you seems meaningless. I miss you so much my son. R.I.P”

Friend Chey Grace paid tribute saying “ I’m so sad today one of our greatest friends has left us, he was the most humbled, funny, genuine person anyone could of meet.”

“He was a friend a brother and a team mate, he made me laugh and we would laugh so hard sometimes I would cry. He was a very talented young athlete! I’m gonna miss playing alongside of you brother. There’s a hole that can never be fulfilled! Rest in love my brother! tigers for life”