KEY POINTS:
The family of rugby league player Sonny Fai, who is presumed drowned after going missing last month, want people not to mourn his loss, but to celebrate his life.
Fai's sister, Lalelei, today gave a brief but moving speech at the launch of the New Zealand Warriors' National Rugby League (NRL) season in Auckland.
"I don't want us to mourn, I don't want us to cry," she said.
"I want us to celebrate his life. His motto was to live life to the fullest."
She thanked the Warriors and the wider league community, including the NRL, for their support.
Two weeks ago, former Kiwis international Nigel Vagana presented the family with "an awesome book" on behalf of all 16 NRL clubs.
Warrior chief executive Wayne Scurrah said there would a celebration of Fai's life and culture at the fourth round match against South Sydney at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium on April 5.
Fai, 20, went missing at Bethells Beach in west Auckland on January 4 after entering the water to save his brother and four of his cousins. His body had not been found.
The second rower/centre made his first-grade debut last season, scoring five tries in 15 appearances.
The season launch included the unveiling of the Warriors' new predominantly black home strip and predominantly white away strip.
The uniforms, as well as other gear, were modelled by the players.
There was also a tribute to the Kiwis' World Cup triumph last November.
Six Warriors - Lance Hohaia, Simon Mannering, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Nathan Fien and Sam Rapira - played in the 34-20 upset over defending champions Australia in the final in Brisbane.
The Warriors' have a final pre-season match against the Gold Coast at Lismore, in northern New South Wales, on Saturday night.
They open their NRL campaign at home against Parramatta on March 14.
- NZPA
