- Apr 26, 2008
- 34,578
- 35,550
KANGAROOS halfback Johnathan Thurston has been struck by a family tragedy on the eve of tomorrow's World Cup Test match after his uncle was bashed to death in Brisbane.
The Sunday Telegraph understands Richard Saunders, 39, was attacked by a group of men in the Brisbane suburb of Logan early on this morning.
The dual Dally M Medal-winner was informed of the news today but continued to train with the Kangaroos at Kogarah Oval and intends to play against New Zealand at the SFS tomorrow night.
The Kangaroos will wear black armbands in tomorrow's game. Saunders was the younger brother of Thurston's mother Debbie. It is alleged he had a brick thrown at him in the attack.
His agent Sam Ayoub confirmed Saunders had been killed in the attack.
"Obviously everyone is devastated, they're a very close knit family who have all taken the news very hard,'' Ayoub said.
"The family would like to request a little bit of privacy if possible in what is obviously a very tough time.''
Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart said the Australian team were rallying around Thurston. "We're doing everything in the best interests of Johnathan Thurston at the moment,'' Stuart said.
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Wow, I can't believe he is still playing......
If that happened to my uncle, i probably wouldn't be able to talk for 2 days let alone play footy and not visit him..
But, his choice i guess, he obviously must have his reasons.
The Sunday Telegraph understands Richard Saunders, 39, was attacked by a group of men in the Brisbane suburb of Logan early on this morning.
The dual Dally M Medal-winner was informed of the news today but continued to train with the Kangaroos at Kogarah Oval and intends to play against New Zealand at the SFS tomorrow night.
The Kangaroos will wear black armbands in tomorrow's game. Saunders was the younger brother of Thurston's mother Debbie. It is alleged he had a brick thrown at him in the attack.
His agent Sam Ayoub confirmed Saunders had been killed in the attack.
"Obviously everyone is devastated, they're a very close knit family who have all taken the news very hard,'' Ayoub said.
"The family would like to request a little bit of privacy if possible in what is obviously a very tough time.''
Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart said the Australian team were rallying around Thurston. "We're doing everything in the best interests of Johnathan Thurston at the moment,'' Stuart said.
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Wow, I can't believe he is still playing......
If that happened to my uncle, i probably wouldn't be able to talk for 2 days let alone play footy and not visit him..
But, his choice i guess, he obviously must have his reasons.
