A rising North Sydney Bears forward Noah Johannssen has tragically passed away just weeks before his 23rd birthday.
The young prop joined the Bears ahead of the 2026 season after moving from the Wests Tigers, where he played nine NSW Cup games in 2025, but had yet to debut for the club.
Johannssen played a NRL pre-season challenge game at the Tigers against the Bulldogs in 2025.
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Johannssen’s brother Tim made his NRL debut for the Wests Tigers back in 2024 and also played for Newcastle, Wests and his current team Souths in NSW Cup.
Noah, who was just weeks from his 23rd birthday on April 23, was a future star and expected to play a big role for the Bears in 2026.
The young forward would have been part of the Perth Bears’ feeder system heading into 2027, with a chance to play NRL for the new expansion franchise in their first season.
The Bears released a statement on their social media in tribute to the young man.
“Johannssen had been with the club for just five months but made a lasting impression through his vibrant nature, dedication and the respect he showed to everyone around him,” the statement said.
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Noah Johannssen has passed away at 22.Source: FOX SPORTS
Bears CEO Gareth Holmes said Johannssen was a man of character and integrity and sent his and the club’s condolences to his family and friends.
“Noah was a young man of great character,” Holmes said.
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“This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
His former club the Western Suburbs Magpies also took to social media to pay tribute to Johannssen.
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