Former rugby league coach Brian McClennan pleads for public help to find his missing father

A former Kiwis and Warriors rugby league coach is pleading for the public's help to find his missing father.

Mike McClennan, the father of Brian McClennan, suffers from dementia and hasn't been seen for the past two days.

A plea from a desperate family, in a desperate situation

"We really need to know where he is, we're really worried about his safety and his health," said Brian.

"He wanted to go home, and I tried to tell him just hang on, please," said Mike's wife, Maureen.

 Mike McClennan, 75, suffers from advanced dementia.

He was being cared for in Orewa's Milton Court Rest Home but went missing on Wednesday afternoon.

"He can't be out for a long time; he's suffering anxiety as well. He's four times past the pills he should have had," Maureen continued.

Mike was last seen walking northbound along a stretch of the Hibiscus Coast Highway near Hatfields Beach in Orewa at around 5 pm on Wednesday.

Search and rescue teams resumed efforts this morning combing the highway and neighbouring properties with help from the Eagle Helicopter.

Police believe he may have been given a ride by a passing vehicle.

Mike McLennan represented the New Zealand national rugby league team in two tests in 1971.

He went on to become the Kiwis assistant coach under Graham Lowe and coach Tonga at the 1995 world cup.

He was last seen wearing his favourite red and black St Helens league tracksuit. 

A family of rugby league legends are putting their faith in the public to help bring Mike home.   

Newshub.