Tributes flow for former Panthers, Tigers player killed in crash
Former New Zealand international Frank Pritchard has led the tributes to ex-Penrith Panthers teammate Masada Iosefa, who was killed in a quad-bike accident near Darwin on Monday night.
Iosefa, 32, played 43 matches for the Panthers after his debut in 2008. He also played 14 games for the Wests Tigers after switching clubs in 2012. The hooker represented his native Samoa four times from 2009-2013.
Masada Iosefa played 14 games for the Wests Tigers.Credit:Steve Christo
Reports from ABC Darwin said Northern Territory police had identified Iosefa as the person involved in a single-vehicle crash in the suburb of Herbert about 9pm on Monday.
Initial investigations suggested he died after colliding with a guard rail while trying to negotiate a bend. A report will be prepared for the NT coroner.
Pritchard was one of a host of ex-teammates to post their condolences on social media. He said he was lost for words when he heard the news.
“Words can’t describe how I’m feeling right now,” the post said. “The Field announcer at the panthers when reading the team list would say at number 9 is the MAYOR OF MOUNTY COUNTY MASADA IOSEFA. #OG
“Tough as nails, always went hard without any preservation for his body. Never took a step back to any situation.”
The Samoan national side described Iosefa as “tough as nails” in a post on the Toa Samoa Facebook page. The post also said Iosefa spent time as a youth worker after his playing days.
“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of former Toa Samoa representative, Masada Iosefa,” the post said. “Rest in love, Masada. Ia manuia lau malaga.”
Iosefa continued in the game he loved after the NRL, playing for the Central Queensland Capras in the Intrust Super Cup and then helping Rockhampton Brothers win a premiership in 2020.
Former Tiger Keith Galloway said he was shocked by the news and would never forget his time with Iosefa.
“You were hard as nails, and as rock solid as they come. It’s been a few years, but will always remember you bro! You were one of a kind.”
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