The Tigers, the tight-knit town of Gundagai and the wider Riverina sporting community are coming to terms with the death of the 22-year-old, who was killed on Sunday in a road accident.

His death has sent shock waves through the club, which was only celebrating his rise through the Tigers’ ranks on Friday at the West Wyalong Knockout.

Matt played on the wing for the Tigers in Gundagai's first round loss to Forbes Magpies.

Club president Martin Hay said his appearance had marked a milestone for the athletic young man, who had committed to a gruelling preseason campaign in a bid to stake a claim for a regular first grade position.

"Matt was a really determined young man," Hay said. "He had been training really hard because he wanted to play first grade this year. He gave it (the knockout) his all on Friday."

A talented all-round sportsman, Matt was a well-respected member of Gundagai's premiership-winning reserve grade team last year and consistently one of the competition's leading try-scorers.

"Matt has been playing rugby league since he was a child. He loved it," Hay said. "He won a couple of reserve grade premierships with us. He could easily play fullback, wing or centre.

"He was very quick and good on his feet."

As well as being a talented sportsman, Matt was an influential and active member of the Gundagai community.

"He was a terrific young bloke who was really popular," Hay said. "He was the type of bloke who would do anything for anyone. He was a lifeguard and he worked with kids who were part of an after school care program."

The loss of Matt is still sinking in, but Hay said his team mates are already preparing to ensure his legacy lives on at the club. "We all got together yesterday (Sunday) to support each other," Hay said.

"The thing is, we know what Matt would have wanted. He would want us to keep together and keep moving forward. We will do that for him. That’s why we will train on Tuesday.”

Tributes are flowing for the young man, who completed his schooling in Gundagai and was undertaking a degree at CSU.

At this stage funeral arrangements have not been finalised, however Matt’s family are encouraging loved ones to don Gundagai or Parramatta Eels guernseys or supporters attire.