LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Rugby league is in mourning following the tragic death of Kyle Turner, a beloved member of the South Sydney Rabbitohs team that secured their historic NRL premiership victory in 2014.
Turner, who passed away on Friday at the age of 31, played a pivotal role off the bench during the grand final match against the Bulldogs, which saw the Rabbitohs claim their 21st premiership after a 43-year drought.
During his time with the South Sydney club, Turner played an impressive total of 130 grade games, including 91 appearances in the first grade from 2011 to 2019.
He was also selected to represent the Indigenous All Stars twice in 2015 and 2017, as well as Country Origin in 2017.
Turner's journey to success was a remarkable one, filled with fairytales.
Souths recruitment manager Mark Hughes first spotted him and his parents, who were proudly adorned in Rabbitohs gear, at a NSW Combined High Schools carnival.
At the time, Turner was already making waves as a star player for the New South Wales Indigenous Under-16s team.
Impressed by his talent, the Rabbitohs signed Turner from the Coonabarabran Unicorns in 2011, and he wasted no time in making his mark, earning the club's under-20s Player of the Year award.
The news of Turner's untimely passing has left the rugby league community devastated, as tributes pour in from teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly expressed his deep sadness, describing Turner as an "integral part" of the club's 2014 premiership team and a "wonderful person" both on and off the field.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo also extended his condolences, acknowledging Turner's significant contributions to the sport and the impact he had on those around him.
Turner's death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing those moments spent with loved ones.
As the rugby league community mourns the loss of a talented player and exceptional individual, the legacy of Kyle Turner will undoubtedly live on in the hearts and minds of all those who had the privilege of knowing him.