Broncos winger and Kiwi international Jamayne Isaako has paid tribute to his father Taai – who he described as "my rock and my hero" – after he passed away recently.
Isaako spent several weeks by his father's side in a New Zealand hospital 12 months ago after Taai collapsed at work one day, with subsequent tests revealing cancer in his nose, which then spread to his brain and through his body.
At one point Isaako's father was given just one week to live. Isaako represented Samoa last year to honour Taai's island heritage.
On Monday the 24-year-old posted a moving tribute to his father on Instagram.
"My heart is broken," Isaako wrote.
"You are my rock and my hero! No words can express how much this hurts and how I’d give anything to hear your voice once more.
"But God's army gained another brave and lionhearted soldier today and I know you’ll always be looking down over us.
"You put up one hell of a fight and fought right to the very end despite what anyone said or thought and now you don’t have to suffer anymore pain.
"Couldn’t have asked for a more loving and caring father I’m so honoured to have called you my dad. I love you more than you’ll ever know. Till we meet again."
