The Gold Coast Titans and New Zealand Warriors will tomorrow night play for the ‘Zae Wallace Shield’ in memory of the 20-year-old former Titan who recently lost his life.

Wallace was a member of the Titans’ NYC side in 2017, playing 15 games during the season, and also spent time with the club’s feeder side Burleigh Bears in 2018.

Wallace was struck down suddenly by illness in April, and passed away on June 1 after being in a coma following an infection caused by the flu.

The New Zealand-born hooker had recently moved back to Auckland for a work opportunity and was playing for the Northcote Tigers before the illness struck.

Titans Executive Chairman Dennis Watt said the shield is a wonderful way to remember the life of Zae.

“Although only with the club for a short time, Zae left a great impression with many and was close friends with a number of current players and staff members,” Watt said.

“The game of rugby league is very special in the way it gets behind its own and special thanks must go to the Warriors for helping get this special commemoration together.”

Warriors CEO Cameron George said the club had no hesitation in coming together with the Titans to celebrate Zae’s life.

“The NZ Vodafone Warriors are honoured to partner with the Gold Coast Titans and acknowledge Zae and his family,” George said.

“He was a wonderful Kiwi boy who chased his rugby league dream with the Titans and to now play for the Zae Wallace Shield will be very special for players from both clubs.”

Wallace’s mother Rosa and his girlfriend Kasey Price will be in attendance to present the shied to the winning team at Cbus Super Stadium tomorrow night.