LUI Polimeni’s devastated circle of family and friends have reached out to the young Tumut man involved in Sunday’s freak accident, with hopes he will “continue to play on”.
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The Gundagai Tigers and the Tumut Blues have united in camaraderie to urge the teenager who laid the innocent tackle to “hold his head high and stay strong”.
It comes as the outpouring of grief continues on social media and in the tight-knit communities of Jugiong and Gundagai after Lui’s family made the heart-wrenching decision to turn off his life support on Wednesday.
Teachers and students from Gundagai High also honoured the 15-year-old’s memory by wearing the club’s native stripes and observing a minute’s silence on Thursday.
“The club and the family want to pass on our best regards to the young man from Tumut involved in the tackle,” Tigers’ secretary Martin Hay said.
“There was absolutely no malice in it and he can hold his head high because we love watching him play and we want him to keep playing.”
Country Rugby League boss Terry Quinn told The Daily Advertiser there will be a special tribute and one-minute silence before the Riverina’s game at the Country Championships this weekend.
All players from Group 9 will wear black armbands and all fixtures in Group 9 under 16’s will have a moment of silence.
“We know it's going to be a tough time for him but we want him to stay proud and keep his chin up,” CRL CEO Terry Quinn said.
“We hope he comes back and plays the game he loves.”
The two clubs involved in the devastating accident on Sunday are “holding it together” in honour of Lui and his family.
Students at Murrumburrah High School, where Lui Polimeni had dozens of friends, and players on the field on Sunday have been offered counselling to cope with their tragic loss.
President of the Tumut Blues Daniel Roddy said both of the clubs will make sure everybody involved has access to appropriate support avenues.
"He has a very good family around him and he is doing well, as are the playing group. From a club point of view we're there to support them all every step of the way,” Mr Roddy said.
“I don’t think it is appropriate to focus on the one player involved in the tackle.
“It’s simply a real tragedy, very hard to come to grips with.”
