Updated 4:24pm: Social media has been flooded with support messages for slain Auckland rugby league player Luke Tipene.

The 17-year-old was killed during a brawl involving 40 people outside a house where a party was going on in the Auckland suburb of Grey Lynn just after midnight.

Police have started a homicide inquiry.

A Facebook page is proving popular with supporters.

Georgia Nelson has more

"The tribute page has only been up and running for a few hours and already has 2500 likes.

"Support messages from across the country are pouring in.

"He's being described as a talented, dedicated young man that will be terribly missed by his peers.

"Concerns about the safety of the streets are also being raised with one person saying it's a sad day when the best and brightest aren't safe in society."

Glenora Rugby League Club of Glen Eden has posted on Facebook that he was a young man who carried the mana of the club and followed its kaupapa to the fullest, on and off the field.

The Bears have set up a bank account for anyone who wants to help his family through their tough time.

Donations can be made to Glenora Rugby League 12 3039 0392180 50, reference number 'LUKE'.

A moment of silence has been held at this afternoon's Kiwis test in Whangarei for the up-and-coming rugby league player.

Homicide investigation launched 

A homicide investigation has been launched after a 17-year-old man was killed in a brawl in Auckland.

He died after a fight erupted outside a Grey Lynn house, where a party was happening.

Up to 40 people were involved in the brawl.

The fight began near Northland and Coleridge Streets, close to the Countdown store, not long after midnight.

Police say the young man's next of kin were advised of his death, and a post mortem examination will be carried out today.

Newstalk ZB understands the dead teen was up and coming rugby league player Luke Tipene.

The Kiwis under-16s will wear black armbands for this afternoon's match against the Samoan under-16s, which is the curtainraiser to the Kiwis Four Nations test in Whangarei.

Warriors devastated 

The Warriors are devastated at news of the death of a 17-year-old Auckland league player.

Warriors academy and pathways manager Duane Mann says in a statement on their website it's an awful loss for Luke's family as well as the club.

He says they held him in the highest regard, and to lose someone so young with so much talent is terrible.