The manager of rugby league's world club champions has died after a late night prank outside a bar in Auckland.

The body of Melbourne Storm football manager Michael Moore was recovered from Waitemata Harbour in the New Zealand city shortly before dawn on Monday.

Police said the 35-year-old had jumped off a nearby wharf while drinking at a waterfront bar in the early hours.

The incident took place at Prince's Wharf, near the base for the America's Cup yachting regatta.

It followed Melbourne's 14-6 National Rugby League defeat to Auckland in their opening game of the new season on Sunday.

Police in the New Zealand city said it was a "very avoidable" incident which took place at about 0300 local time.

"He basically ran out of the bar - a bit of high jinks, skylarking, whatever way you want to put it - and propelled himself off the wharf," said a police spokesman.

It is believed Moore struck his head on a pontoon and is likely to have been either unconscious or dead when he hit the water.

Several people dived in to try to save Moore but his body was only recovered two hours later by navy divers.

Melbourne chief executive John Ribot said the club and its supporters were devastated at the news.

"We've all lost a close friend and a great staff member. He epitomised all the great characteristics of what our club aspires to," Ribot told the club's official website.

"Michael was always someone who brought a laugh to the office, he was easily the most popular member of the club ... he was just a magic bloke.

"We are all in shock, the players and staff here are shattered.

"It's a tragic accident, our love and thoughts go out to his family," Ribot said.

Moore is survived by his wife Tracey and three young children.

"Our heart goes out to his family, particularly his kids," added Ribot.

Storm won the NRL last season, and only last month came to Britain to take the world title with a convincing 44-6 win over St Helens at Wigan.

Moore was in his third year with the club andhad previously worked with the Brisbane Broncos rugby league team and basketball's Brisbane Bullets.