The 22-year-old died on Wednesday just days after playing in Aggies big win over CSU.

Stanham, who suffered from epilepsy, is believed to have collapsed in the shower and could not be revived.

His brother, and Ag College coach, Will Mitchell said it was a great loss.

“It is devastating,” Mitchell said.

“He was a special young man, very well liked, a hard worker and the club and family are in quite a bit of shock and are heartbroken.”

President Ben Brooke labelled Stanham, who was a Southern Inland rep player, a massive part of the club.

“He was a big influence on the club’s culture, pushing that young, enthusiastic drive on everyone,” Brooke said.

“He was the voice you would always hear at training, getting people fired up and making sure everyone was doing well.”

Mitchell said his family has been touched by how the club has responded.

More than 120 people gathered at Beres Ellwood Oval on Wednesday for a memorial service before a barbecue at the Black Swan Hotel later than evening.

“There was quite a nice atmosphere around there with everyone really looking out for each other,” Brooke said.

Southern Inland clubs will wear black armbands across the four grades in memory of Stanham with a minute silence to be held before the start of all first grade games.

Ag College have won their last five games and can cement third place, and a second chance in the finals, with what would be an emotional win against Leeton at Beres Ellwood Oval on Saturday.

Mitchell believes the club has a lot to play for.

“The Ag College family really binds together in hard times and this has been no different,” he said.

“We will all stick together and it’s ladies day, our sponsors day and a big day anyway, so it will be a big day for the family to honour him.”

Brooke will miss the clash with a shoulder niggle with Sam Chalmers moving to flanker with Pat Lemnich taking his place at hooker.

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