Labour leader Chris Hipkins rules out support for Aukus, and bus drivers assaulted in Auckland. Video / NZ Herald
The teenager who died in an early-morning crash on a South Auckland street was an aspiring rugby league star who was with a friend on their way to play in a tournament.
They said Lyden was preparing to take part in a rippa rugby league tournament that morning and, having already represented Tonga and Samoa, was aiming for a professional rugby league career, having recently won a contract to play and study in Australia next year.
His uncle Monty Filimaea said Lyden “always thought of others and himself last” and “was on a really good path”.
Filimaea told the Herald Lyden had picked up his friend en route to a pre-season tag rugby league tournament they were competing in and moved to being a passenger when their car crashed on Hyperion Dr near Manurewa around 7am.
The other occupant survived but was “down” after the accident, Filimaea said.
Lil-Bouvalu Lyden aspired to represent Tonga and Samoa in rugby league. Photo / Kau To’a Junior Academy NZ
He described Lyden as a selfless and inspiring leader who aimed to represent his Samoan and Tongan heritage in rugby league.
Filimaea said his nephew was raised in a household of huge Warriors fans and had played rugby league since childhood.
Lyden played in age-grade representative teams for both countries, starting with Tonga before switching to Samoa and co-captaining their under-16 side for their Queensland tour in October.
He was the oldest of three children and his siblings and cousins were inspired by him.
“He had that leadership around the kids, around all his mates, especially his cousins and that, who always looked up to him.
Lil-Bouvalu Lyden was remembered as a selfless leader. Photo / Counties Manukau Rugby League
“He just wanted to do so well for himself, for his parents. He knew that his parents worked really hard for him and his siblings.”
The 16-year-old was preparing to go to Australia in 2025 to finish his schooling and play club rugby league under a new contract, Filimaea said.
“[He was] a boy that went too soon and had passion and goal and the drive to do better for himself. Just to be a good human being for the community.”
A Givealittle page has been started by close family friends to help cover funeral expenses.
Rugby league clubs remember Lil-Bouvalu Lyden: ‘More than a player’
Several rugby league clubs paid tribute to Lyden on social media and described his leadership and hardworking nature.
The Otahuhu Rovers Rugby League Football Club said Lyden was very popular with his under-16 Leopards teammates and would be greatly missed.
“He was often seen doing extras down at the club field on weekends, which helped with his electric playing style.”
Lil-Bouvalu Lyden, who was killed in a crash in Randwick Park, was remembered as very popular with his rugby league teammates. Photo / Ōtāhuhu Rovers Rugby League Football Club
The Kau To’a Junior Academy NZ said they were “devastated by the loss of our Kau To’a son” and he would always be remembered and cherished.
“We pray for strength over your family to get through this challenging time as you used to run through the challenges in rugby league.
Rugby League Samoa posted a photo of Lyden playing for the Toa Samoa under-17 team and said “Rest in Love Lil-Bou”.
In a social media post, Counties Manukau Rugby League said Lyden was “more than a player” for their 16 Boys Stingrays team this year and had volunteered at school tournaments by refereeing or directing players to the correct fields.
“Lil-Bou was also an awesome volunteer in helping us deliver our primary and Intermediate school rugby league festivals in the Māngere/Ōtāhuhu area by reffing games or directing schools to the correct fields.
“Lil-Bou will be greatly missed by us and the rugby league community.”
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Reporter Martha and friends are in Minginui introducing us to their favourite four-legged neighbours, wild but friendly horses that have had free reign of the place since 1870.
