Jonah's mum to lead mourners

John Hart hugs Jonah Lomu's mother Hepi during a press conference at Jonah's Epsom home after his death on Wednesday. Photo / Dean Purcell.

Former in-laws mourn as details of memorials begin to emerge.

Jonah Lomu's mother, Hepi, will lead mourners tonight in the first public memorial for the rugby legend.

More than 1000 people are expected to attend the Lotofalei'a Tongan Methodist Church, in Mangere, South Auckland, this evening as family, friends and fans all over the world prepare to say goodbye.

Church leader and service organiser, Salote Heleta-Lilo, says Hepi will attend, but it is not known if Lomu's wife Nadene or their two young sons will be there.

Tonga's Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva also hopes to attend, but he is unwell. Sports stars and high-profile friends are also expected to be among the mourners.

Former All Blacks Michael Jones and Joeli Vidiri were among more than 50 visitors to a busy Lomu family home yesterday. Former heavyweight boxer David Tua, who was formally dressed in a traditional Tongan ta'ovala, also paid his respects and members of the public tied flowers to a gate outside the home.

Former All Black flanker Jones said funeral plans should be finalised tomorrow.

"The family don't want to leave it much longer than that," he said.

Former All Blacks coach and Lomu family spokesman John Hart spent much of yesterday in meetings trying to tie down plans for a second public service, possibly at Eden Park.

A private family service is expected to be held the day after the second public service.

Because of the large numbers expected at tonight's church service, mourners are being advised to arrive well before the 6.30pm start.

Meanwhile, the family of Lomu's first wife have spoken of their anguish at losing the man they still consider a son and brother.

South African Tanya Rutter, now Tanya Michaels, has turned down interview requests, but the 39-year-old's mother and siblings tearfully remembered Jonah when they spoke to South African media this week.

Maureen Rutter still lives in the family home Jonah stayed at when he married Rutter in 1995.

She fondly recalled her former son-in-law washing dishes and cooking his famed green curry and lamb neck for her and late husband Allan.

Tanya's brother Emile Rutter remembers going out for pizza with Jonah despite Tanya's concern for his diet.

"He taught me to think bigger than my circumstances, to realise my dreams," Emile told a TV network. "He was my hero."

Tanya's younger sister Mathane was just 10 when the 1.96m tall, 119kg, global sporting hero came into her life.

She tearfully remembers the playful relationship she had with Jonah - splashing each other with water to escape the summer heat in their hometown of Kimberley.

Mathane said her thoughts were with Tanya, who now lives in Pretoria with her husband and young son.

Family members said Tanya was "very emotional" about Jonah's death.

She posted on Facebook: "May his soul rest in peace. A bit lost for words at the moment but when I am ready and have gathered all my thoughts I will pay a tribute to him and his family!!! Love Tanz."