Warriors pay tribute to talented teen

Warriors rugby league stars have paid tribute to Luke Tipene after the talented teenager died in the early hours of this morning.

A homicide investigation has been launched after Mr Tipene was killed. He died after a brawl erupted outside a Grey Lynn house, where a party was happening.

The teenager was a talented rugby league player on the brink of a professional career.

Duane Mann, the Vodafone Warriors academy and pathways manager, spoke to Tipene's family this morning. He offered condolences on the club's behalf.

"To lose someone so young with so much talent is terrible," Mr Mann said.

He said Mr Tipene had taken part in the Warriors' development system and was contracted to the Warriors' National Youth Competition squad next season.

"This is awful for Luke's family as well as all of us at the club," Mr Mann said. "We're absolutely devastated and are all trying to come to terms with what has happened. We held Luke in the highest regard. He was a player with real ability who was just starting out on his dream of becoming a professional rugby league player."

Twitter tributes for Tipene

Our thoughts are with the Tipene family after the loss of @NZWarriors player Luke Tipene #RIP http://t.co/mMuBJZUEQb pic.twitter.com/SzZqTGF7Fi

— One NZ Warriors (@NZWarriors) October 31, 2014

Devastating news with young NZ Rugby League star Luke Tipene has been killed in an awful street brawl. Thought are with the family. R.I.P

— Rugby League News (@RugbyLeagueNews) October 31, 2014

Another devastating day for the Warriors league family... Our thoughts go out to Luke's family. http://t.co/hBVo8lWE5I

— Veitchy on Sport (@veitchynz) October 31, 2014

A hooker or loose forward, Mr Tipene played for the Glenora Bears and won the Auckland Rugby League's Under-17 player of the year award.

He was also selected for the New Zealand Maori Under-17 side and was named in the New Zealand Under-17 merit team.

The Warriors said Mr Tipene was educated at Nga Kakano o te Kaihanga Kura in Henderson, and was fluent in Te Reo.

Up to 40 people were involved in the brawl in the early hours of this morning.

The fight began near Northland and Coleridge streets, close to the Countdown store, not long after midnight.

Auckland Police said a post mortem would be carried out today.

No arrests have yet been made.

Police said people with potential information about the homicide could contact Auckland City Police on 09 302 6400 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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