THE small community of Jugiong is banding together in the most tragic of circumstances.
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The town continues to do all it can to support the Polimeni family, who are still reeling from Lui’s tragic passing after collapsing on the rugby league field playing for his beloved Gundagai Tigers.
The Polimeni family has been a part of the tight-knit town of around 300 people for more than 15 years.
Jugiong resident Joy Coggan said everyone was offering support where they could - from organising appointments to cooking meals for the grieving family.
“We, as a community will continue to do all we can to support Lui’s family,” Ms Coggan said.
“He was a beautiful, lovable boy with a cheeky grin.”
A close friend of the family, Ms Coggan asked for space for the family so they could grieve the loss of their eldest son.
The news of the 15-year-old’s death has hit heart strings across the country with many sporting clubs offering their condolences.
National Rugby League club Canberra Raiders’ first grade squad wore black arm bands on Sunday as a tribute to the Murrumburrah High School student.
Raiders media manager Ben Pollack, who is from Gundagai, said it was the least the club could do to honour Lui.
“We consider the Riverina as part of the Raiders’ footprint,” Mr Pollack said.
“We want to do our bit to help out the rugby league community, both high profile and from the grassroots.
“The Raiders would like to extend their deepest condolences to the Polemini family and the Gundagai Tigers community in what is a very tough time for them all.”
Mr Pollack said the Tigers have done a wonderful job in regards to the welfare of its players in the most difficult of times.
“It’s a close-knit community.
The footy club is the heart and soul of Gundagai,” he said.
“It’s a tragedy when any young player passes away and the Raiders and rugby league communities want the Polemini and Gundagai Tigers families to know that they are thinking of them during this tough time.”
Rival code rugby union paid tribute to Lui through the ACT Brumbies during their Super Rugby game in Canberra on Saturday night - they also wore black arm bands in a show of support.
Brumbies hooker Josh Mann-Rea moved to Jugiong only last year.
Details for Lui’s funeral are yet to be confirmed.
