In a week in which the nation collectively mourned the loss of Phillip Hughes, rugby league was rocked by its own tragedy on Monday when the former Dragons under-20s prop was tragically killed in a work accident at Jaspers Brush.

Farrell, who grew up at Culburra and moved to the Dragons to be closer to his beloved South Coast, said he was left shocked by the loss.

"I'm from the Shoalhaven community like he is and he played with Berry with a few of my mates," Farrell said.

"I didn't know him personally but he knew a lot of my friends and knowing them and speaking to them, they were obviously very upset. I couldn't believe it myself.

"An ex-teammate of mine, Marcus Rogers, they own the Turfco company [that Rozs worked for] and I played with him at Gerringong and they're all obviously devastated.

"It's just one of those freak accidents. For it to happen to anyone is very sad but for it to happen to a young up and coming player ... it touches me that little bit more because he was in the same position I once was."

Farrell is confident Rozs's family will receive plenty of support from the famously tight-knit South Coast community.

"There's already been a lot support shown through Facebook," he said.

"I've already seen a lot from my friends who didn't know him either but played against him showing their support. His family is definitely going to have a lot of support and I send my best wishes to all his family and friends."

Rozs, who graduated from the Illawarra Steelers Harold Matthews and SG Ball ranks, played for St George Illawarra's Holden Cup side in 2014 and was to return to his junior club Berry-Shoalhaven Heads next year.

In an emotional open letter on Wednesday, Magpies coach Trent Burns described a "salt of the earth human being" who "touched the lives of many with his enthusiasm, drive and optimistic attitude".

"I had the honour of being his coach - during this time he didn't realise that he was coaching me and teaching me a lesson about the attitude it takes to succeed," Burns said.

It followed tributes from several NRL stars including NSW skipper Paul Gallen and Dragons star Trent Merrin.