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Young Dapto forward Tory Brunning was on the verge of representative selection when he collapsed and died at Saturday’s game.
The Mercury understands Brunning had come under consideration for a call-up to the Illawarra-South Coast under 23 Country Championships team, to play at Goulburn this weekend.
Representative coach Wade Forrester was at the game to watch Brunning, who pulled out of first grade after becoming sick in the warm-up to the game against Wests at Dapto Showground.
A decision is yet to be made about whether Dapto will take the field for Sunday’s game with premiers Collegians, or be postponed.
Canaries players, coaching staff and family are holding a get-together at Dapto Leagues Club on Monday night as they try to come to terms with the 21-year-old’s passing.
Wests will also offer counselling and support at a gathering on Tuesday.
Illawarra general manager Chris Bannerman said the NRL and Country Rugby League had combined to help anyone at the game.
“It’s an open offer, we want to make sure there’s support for anyone who wants it,” Bannerman said.
“It’s a tough time for everyone, so we want to make sure no one is left out, so if anyone does want to reach, please get in touch.
“We’ve been in contact with the NRL, the CRL and Dapto Leagues Club, and they’re all offering counselling services, as well as whatever other assistance they can make.
There will be a moments silence and players will wear black arm bands as a mark of respect in Saturday’s Country Championships clash with Monaro.
From New Zealand, Brunning moved to the Illawarra in his early teens and was named in an Australian 15 years All-Schools merit team alongside NRL players Jackson Hastings, Sione Matautia and Luciano Leilua.
Brunning played for Illawarra in the representative trial at Warilla in March.
More than $12,000 has been collected on a fundraising page – via givealittle.co.nz – to “bring Tory home to Waitara” in New Zealand, where his family is based, after a memorial service is held in Wollongong, expected to be this week.
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
