A rising forward for the North Sydney Bears, Noah Johannssen has died just weeks before his 23rd birthday. A GoFundMe created to support his family described him as “Noah was an amazing brother, son, uncle, and friend, an incredible football player, and someone who truly lit up every room he walked into" but did not provide details about his cause of death.
Noah’s brother, Tim, who played rugby league alongside him, shared an emotional tribute on social media on Saturday night, remembering his sibling.
'My f***en brother, my forever love, I'll always be attached to you bro and I'll always be so glad for your existence and what you did for me bro, the man you made me be and everything I have today is because you were there for me,' Tim wrote.
Johannssen, who was approaching his birthday on April 23, had recently joined the Bears ahead of the 2026 season after moving from the Wests Tigers. He had yet to make his debut for the club.
The young prop played nine NSW Cup games in 2025 for the Western Suburbs Magpies, the Tigers’ feeder side, before shifting to North Sydney. He also featured in an NRL pre-season challenge match for the Tigers against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2025.
Johannssen was widely seen as a promising talent and expected to play an important role for the Bears during the 2026 season. He was also in line to be part of the feeder system for the Perth Bears, with a potential opportunity to play in the NRL when the expansion franchise begins.
Confirming the news, the North Sydney Bears shared a tribute on social media honouring Johannssen’s impact in his short time with the club.
'Noah had been with our NSW Cup team for just five months but quickly made a lasting impression through his vibrant nature, dedication and the respect he showed to everyone around him,' the statement read.
'His loss is felt deeply across our playing group, staff, and wider Bears community.
'CEO Gareth Holmes shared, "Noah was a young man of great character. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."'
Johannssen’s former club also issued a tribute following news of his death. '@westernsuburbsmagpies is saddened to learn of the passing of our former @knockoneffectcup player Noah Johannssen aged 22,' it read.
As of writing, the GoFundMe page has raised nearly $32,000.
Noah’s brother, Tim, who played rugby league alongside him, shared an emotional tribute on social media on Saturday night, remembering his sibling.
'My f***en brother, my forever love, I'll always be attached to you bro and I'll always be so glad for your existence and what you did for me bro, the man you made me be and everything I have today is because you were there for me,' Tim wrote.
Johannssen, who was approaching his birthday on April 23, had recently joined the Bears ahead of the 2026 season after moving from the Wests Tigers. He had yet to make his debut for the club.
Noah’s recent move to North Sydney Bears
The young prop played nine NSW Cup games in 2025 for the Western Suburbs Magpies, the Tigers’ feeder side, before shifting to North Sydney. He also featured in an NRL pre-season challenge match for the Tigers against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2025.
Johannssen was widely seen as a promising talent and expected to play an important role for the Bears during the 2026 season. He was also in line to be part of the feeder system for the Perth Bears, with a potential opportunity to play in the NRL when the expansion franchise begins.
Noah Johannssen's passing: North Sydney Bears pay tribute
Confirming the news, the North Sydney Bears shared a tribute on social media honouring Johannssen’s impact in his short time with the club.
'Noah had been with our NSW Cup team for just five months but quickly made a lasting impression through his vibrant nature, dedication and the respect he showed to everyone around him,' the statement read.
'His loss is felt deeply across our playing group, staff, and wider Bears community.
'CEO Gareth Holmes shared, "Noah was a young man of great character. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."'
Former club Western Suburbs Magpies also respond after Noah Johannssen passing
Johannssen’s former club also issued a tribute following news of his death. '@westernsuburbsmagpies is saddened to learn of the passing of our former @knockoneffectcup player Noah Johannssen aged 22,' it read.
As of writing, the GoFundMe page has raised nearly $32,000.
