Rugby league: Kiwis great Quentin Pongia remembered in emotional service

Rugby league legend Quentin Pongia has been farewelled at an emotional send-off in Greymouth on Saturday.

Tough, respectful and a family man were among the words used to describe Pongia, who died at the age of 48 last week, after his battle with cancer.

Rugby league greats from both sides of the Tasman shared memories of their friend, known simply as 'Q'.

Former Kiwis coach Frank Endicott paid an emotional tribute to a man he described as tough on the field and humble off it.

"You were like a brother to your teammates, you were like a son to me," he said.

"We've got great memories of you, mate, and we're going to miss you and never forget you - rest in peace."

Pongia played 35 tests for the Kiwis and won the Winfield Cup with the Canberra Raiders in 1994.

Former Kiwis and Canberra teammate Ruben Wiki remembered Pongia as a "brother and mentor".

"Three words sum up Q - blood, sweat and respect. The first two you give and last one you earn... and that's Q."

John Lomax was a big part of the Raiders success and he spoke of his relationship with Pongia, giving an emotional analogy of his goodbye.

"I don’t think there is goodbye for my bro," he said. "They better watch out for him at those pearly gates up there.

"I know that if there is a football team up there, he'll be the first one picked and he'll be playing. If I can say something, it's that you better hold a spot for me, because I'll be up there soon.

"At some stage, we'll be playing again sometime, my bro."

Pongia's older brother, Brendon, was appreciative of the support him and his family had received.

"It's been a pretty amazing send-off and pretty humbling for us as a family," said the former Tall Blacks basketballer.

"I can't believe the outpour of love and support for my brother, and the effect he had on so many people.

"I want him to be remembered as a good father, a content man and someone who lived his life to the fullest.

"He always wanted the best out of everything and for me, that’s the legacy he leaves."

Newshub.