A GENTLE giant, a strong character and an all-round good guy was how former Parramatta and Cronulla prop Jon Mannah was remembered by family, friends and the rugby league fraternity.
A host of NRL stars were among the estimated 3000 mourners who farewelled Mannah at a funeral service at Faith Baptist Church in Auburn on Monday.
It was not just the players and coaches from his two former clubs who paid their respects to Mannah, but also opponents who spoke about how inspired they were by his strength of character.
The Sydney Roosters' newest recruit Michael Jennings and the Wests Tigers pair of Robbie Farah and Braith Anasta never played alongside Mannah but were among the ambassadors of the game who paid their respects to a man that inspired so many.
''It's given me a different outlook on life,'' Anasta said. ''I'm glad I'm here because I'm a better person for it. Anyone who went through what he did is inspirational.''
The 24-game NRL career of Mannah, 23, was cut short after the prop lost his 3½ year battle against Hodgkin's lymphoma on Friday morning. His brother Tim, who plays for Parramatta and has represented NSW at State of Origin level, spoke bravely at the ceremony and called on mourners to celebrate Jon's life rather than dwell on the tragedy of his passing.
Farah said Mannah's courage left a lasting legacy on the sport.
''Everyone knows what kind of person Johnny was and he will be sorely missed,'' he said. He had a great impact on many people's lives and it showed with the turnout here.''
His previous club, Parramatta, released a video tribute to the life of the young prop.
Mannah's former teammates joined in the celebration of his short but successful life. ''Truly amazing service today celebrating the life of @JohnnyMannah good to reminisce with the Mannah family and friends,'' Jarryd Hayne tweeted.
Many of his former Cronulla teammates found it too difficult to talk after the emotional service.
Ben Pomeroy struggled for words to describe the generosity and kind nature of Mannah and said he would sorely miss his friend. ''He was just a great guy. He would do anything for you and we'd do anything for him. I don't know what to say,'' Pomeroy said.
Sharks' Wade Graham was, at various times, an opponent or teammate of Mannah as he grew up playing representative football with him at youth level. They spent a season together at Toyota Stadium in 2011 where Mannah left a lasting impression.
''I met Jon when we were young … I met him through the schoolboys system and then I met him on a personal level at Cronulla.
''Jon is the best bloke, he's genuine, honest and a very humble sort of guy and you can see by how many people are here the kind of bloke he was. He touched everyone, he's a real genuine bloke.''
Replies
Very touching. I am impressed that guys who played against him, never been a teammate of his, turned up and praised him. Shows you about how tight the RL community is. Still think the Sharks and Eels should have a black armband on their jumpers for the year in memory of Jonny Mannah. 23, too young, man, too young. I don't believe in God so he's somewhere where he's feels comfortable and always will be sitting in the stands watching Timmy and the lads play.
I understand your concern. It is just that the Mannah family don't want his death to be mourned, but his life celebrated. Having the black armband would represent mourning. At the funeral none of the Mannah family wore black armbands - they wore yellow ties and yellow neck ties because they know he has returned home to Heaven.
Very tragic indeed, even in the throws of death he showed courage, no drugs or anything to numb his pain, he wanted a clear mind, what a beautiful soul. I read the story about how his family gathered around and how his faith and family are, no wonder they celebrate his life, what strength, certainly one to be proud of.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/rugby-league-unites-to-farewell-...
A good read, What a champion. R.I.P brother.
It was the very article I read, it made my eyes water seriously what an emotional account of this tragedy.
You would seriously have to be made of stone to read that article and not have a lump in your throat.
Go in peace Jon...
That last part, about the darkness followed by light was beautiful. I'm so sad that he passed, it is a terrible loss to so many, I hope they are comforted by his strength :(
I m sure u r in a better place..
Being away, I would like to thank the 1 eyedeel community for keeping me updated everything parra related!!
Beautiful story, very touching.
RIP Jon.