NRL player Troy Dargan passed away in Aitutaki, Cook Islands following a motorcycle accident. Known as TJ, the 26-year-old was on holiday with his family.

Cook Islands Police in a statement confirmed that a motorbike crash on Aitutaki in the early hours of Sunday morning claimed the life of the former Cook Islands Rugby League representative and recent Canberra Raiders signing.

Police media officer Trevor Pitt said police on the island reported that the incident occurred around 1am.

Aria Sports Management Group also confirmed the news on Facebook on Christmas Eve (Cook Islands time).

The group said Dargan and his family were holidaying in the Cook Islands where TJ was involved in a motorcycle accident.

“TJ was not only an @ariasportsgroup client but a long-time friend and great mate. He is currently a Canberra Raider and formerly a member of Manly Seaeagles, Souths Rabbitohs, Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels.

“TJ is a beloved son to Troy and Wendy, loving brother to Tamalee and Korokai, and friend to many many others.

“The family have asked for privacy at this very devastating time. TJ will he greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

According to ABC, Dargan twice represented the Cook Islands at an international level and scored two tries in a 38-16 defeat of the United States in late 2019.

He also played two NRL games, both for South Sydney in 2020, and had joined Canberra on a two-year contract for the upcoming season.

Dargan made his first-grade debut against the Sydney Roosters in the Rabbitohs' first game after the NRL returned from a COVID-enforced hiatus in May 2020.

Dargan had signed with the Raiders this season after playing for Manly's NSW Cup affiliate Blacktown Workers six times in the 2023 season.

Cook Islands Police are yet to release more details.

Additional reporting ABC /AAP