Jason Taumālolo has lost two of his mother’s brothers after they died within hours of one another.
Vaimama Sole died in Tonga while Palei Sole died in Hawai’i on Friday 18 (Tonga time) with their heartbroken kāinga and friends sharing their grief at the loss of their friends and cousins.
The causes of their deaths are still unknown.
Now devastated relatives have shared their devastation on social media.
They described the brothers as “mata ‘ofa and mata kāinga” or loving and eager to connect with their relatives wherever they met.
“It is with very heavy hearts that we heard the tragic passing of the Sole brothers,” a commenter wrote.
“Their family and friends are devastated by their loss”, another wrote.
The news comes as North Queensland Toyota Cowboys were still celebrating Taumālolo’s 250th game milestone last night Thursday 17.
The North Queensland co-captain and middle forward played his 250th NRL game for the club against Cronulla.
Taumālolo has become the youngest player in the club’s history to reach this historic achievement.
His success comes after he missed two months of action mid-season with a knee injury and returned against Penrith on the bench in Townsville in round 16 to inspire a vital 27-23 win.
