RUGBY: New Zealand Warriors star Sonny Fai is missing, presumed drowned, after being swept out to sea off a beach near Auckland.

The 20-year-old forward, who has made 15 appearances for the Warriors since his NRL debut last year, was swimming at Bethells Beach with three others following a training run.

It is believed all four of them got into difficulties in the surf and while three of the men were saved, Fai hasn't been found.