Anthony Mundine paid tribute to Ziggie Vincent. Photo / Facebook
A heartbroken Anthony Mundine has paid tribute to a rare junior rugby league talent who died in tragic circumstances this week.
The rugby league community is in mourning following the death of talented and popular 19-year-old Ziggie Vincent.
Vincent, a highly-touted forward from Griffith, NSW, was part of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs' Jersey Flegg Cup squad but took his own life this week.
NRL great Anthony Mundine revealed the news in an emotional video posted to Instagram.
"It's a very sad day, very sad," Mundine said. "I'm a bit emotional here. We lost a brother, young Ziggie Vincent. Took his life last night. It's very hard to take for myself but I can't imagine (what) his family and close friends, brothers and siblings (are going through)."
Mundine was sent a highlights package of Vincent playing in the country and instructed his advisers to "send him up" to Sydney because "he's got a big future this kid".
"He was a bit unfit but he scored an individual try that I ain't seen (before). He could run like he was a centre," Mundine said.
Mundine implored anyone suffering from mental health problems or depression to "talk to somebody".
"I let Zig know I was always there for him … but a lot of these brothers feel like they're a burden. But they're actually not. They're just shy and don't want to bring their problems on anyone else," Mundine said.
"To anyone that has any problems with mental health or are looking to harm themselves or are not in a good place. Please speak up to somebody you trust, someone that sheds a good light in your life. That's the most important thing. Even hit me up if you have to …
"Hearing this news really affected me. I haven't left bed all day."
WHERE TO GET HELP:
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:
• 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
• Lifeline
• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633
• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 or TEXT 4202
All the key NRL fixtures for the Warriors.