Warriors players packed out a memorial service on Monday for Sonny Fai, a member of the 2009 squad and a player who was set to shine in rugby league.

Hundreds remembered 20-year-old Fai, who drowned at a west Auckland beach two months ago although his body has not been recovered .

For the Warriors, the loss was keenly felt and the whole club turned out for the service.

Fai joined the Warriors family when he was just 14-years-old and broke into the first grade team in 2008.

He was fondly remembered for his sporting abilities and personality.

"He was a freak in the gym. At the age of 16 he was benching a 180. I think there is only one word for that, that's freak," says Warriors team-mate Jerome Ropati.

The Warriors team manager Don Mann touched on a lighter theme.

"Sonny used to straighten his hair before each game. Not just any hair straightener, he would use the really good stuff, I think it is called GHD hair straightener...good hair day he said it stands for."

Recently retired Warriors star Ruben Wiki remembered his strength.

"Sonny would want you to stay strong and live the Sonny Fai way" Wiki said to the Fai family.

There were moments of laughter throughout the service but also plenty of tears, as friends and family remembered so much to treasure from a talented man, promising much more

In death Sonny Fai should achieve one of his greatest wishes in life - a house for his mum and dad.

A $630,000 insurance payout from the National Rugby League to the missing Warriors star's family is on the verge of approval.

The heroic league sensation's body has not been found since he was washed out to sea at west Auckland's Bethells Beach after saving his younger brother and four cousins from surging waves on January 4.

Sister Lalelei Fai did not want to discuss the payout but confirmed Sonny always wanted "the best for his family", including a home of their own for dad Salelua and mum Tausili.

Memorial services will be held tomorrow and Tuesday for the 20-year-old, who was on the verge of NRL superstardom.

Family and close friends, including Warriors team-mates, will attend a service at the family's Samoan Methodist Church in south Auckland's Otahuhu at 10am tomorrow.

The service, including speeches about Sonny's life, will be followed by a gathering at the Malaeola Community Centre in Mangere.

The public will be invited to a service at Bethells Beach on Tuesday, starting at 4pm. A plaque will be installed on a rock at the beach to remember Sonny's selfless bravery.

"And we'll go out to the sea and drop some flowers into the ocean, acknowledging he's gone," Lalelei said.

She said the family had been given the courage to accept it was time to move on by Warriors CEO Wayne Scurrah and Sonny's manager Peter Brown, who visited their Mangere home.

"I think we needed that talk from them. It encouraged me that you don't have to put your life on hold," Lalelei said.

"Wayne was telling us to try and carry on with life.

"He spoke of the good person Sonny was and it would be so sad to see his family destroyed (by Sonny's loss). He wants everyone to celebrate his life.

"It's hard because everyone was telling us, `Keep the faith, don't give up' (on the family's search for Sonny's body). But keeping the faith that I have, is keeping the faith in the Lord that he would return him some day."

The Warriors are looking to assist the Bethells Beach Surf Life Saving Club and have nominated Surf Lifesaving Northern Region as one of its three official charity partners for this year.

The club also has plans under way for an award in Sonny's name.

A minute's silence will be held before the Warriors season-opener on Saturday, against Parramatta, at Mt Smart Stadium.

And the home-ground round-four clash with South Sydney, on Sunday April 5, will be dedicated to Sonny.

The pre-game entertainment will include performances from his old school De La Salle College and Otahuhu College where Lalelei teaches the Samoan tutor group.

Over the eight weeks this supporters page went from a small 200 members to over 9000 members. It goes to show that as a community we united and found a common cause which was to KEEP THE FAITH for Sonny Fai. When I say community I don’t only mean the people in NZ, because so many people have taken this to heart from not only nationally but worldwide.

Rugby league fans in general feel a sense of loss when mentioning Sonny Fai. A hero to his younger brother & cousins he told them he would be okay and that they should return back to shore, in those short moments the ocean swept away a future rugby league superstar. There was an article in the NZ Herald quoting that Sonnys younger brother felt it was his fault and we feel that this was saddening because it is nobodies fault. Bethells beach already has a reputation of being dangerous and the guilt of this incident shouldn’t be left on anyone’s shoulders.

Our deepest condolences go to Sonny Fai's family at this time.

The fansite has had its ups & downs we’ve had prank txts, negative comments, attention seekers, spammers etc etc. But apart from that the sense of faith from so many people was just so uplifting and refreshing, there were a number of poems, dedications, prayers, videos, drawings & fan photos uploaded and left in comments. So much support & hope for Sonny Fai to return.

It really does hurt to lose this young player who was surely destined for greatness in rugby league, he will never be erased from our memories.

A hero in every sense of the word Sonny Fai will continue to be remembered by The Warriors this season with dedications, the Round 4 tribute & on their jersey for the 2009 season, also by us the general public who have also been affected.

The Sonny Fai Force will still continue onwards because he is a player we have to commend for his Bravery, Courage, & Heroism which are all attributes of a TRUE WARRIOR.

Always in our hearts & minds R.I.P Sonny Fai, A WARRIOR FOR LIFE.