The family of former Tongan rugby league international Mark Roiall, who is suffering from dementia, say he has been found safe and sound after going missing for nearly 24 hours.
Roiall was found at the Belly-Worship restaurant in Mission Bay this afternoon, after he was last seen at 6pm onSunday near the Glen Innes train station in East Auckland.
Overdue his medication, there were grave concerns from his family, with a Facebook post by his daughter shared more than 150 times, including by Dean Lonergan, who played with Roiall at the Glenora Bears.
After a plea from police, the 65-year-old was found today, sunburnt and not aware he was missing.
Members of the public until family arrived who were relieved he was found safely.
“He may have reverted back to league days and going to West Auckland league clubs or gyms, or could be randomly visiting people in Waikato or all over the North Island not realising he’s missing, as he’s always a man on a mission.
Mark Roiall played rugby league in New Zealand and England. Photo / Supplied
“He’s a friendly chap so always up for a chinwag and cuppa tea.”
Along with playing rugby league in New Zealand, Roiall also had a stint in England, where he represented Featherstone and Sheffield.
In 1992, he captained Tonga in the Pacific Cup final, alongside his brother Matt, where they lost 18-14 to Western Samoa at Carlaw Park.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
