Playing through tears for Jarius
“WE know he’d want us to give our best.”
That, according to Shane Richardson, was the motivation behind the Tweed Raiders reserve grade side’s brave battle on Sunday afternoon.
Mere hours after Jarius Murphy-Phillips died that same morning, his teammates were playing in his honour.
It spoke to the 19-year-old’s infectious nature, one which had an immediate impact on the club from the moment he first took to the training paddock.
And with the talented rugby league prospect’s jersey now retired, team coach Richardson said each time his side stepped onto the field they would play for his memory.
Murphy-Phillips was tragically killed in the early hours of Sunday morning, struck by a car as he walked along Sexton Hill Drive in Chinderah.
Having played as a junior for both Bilambil and Cudgen, the young man who Richardson described as “a big solid boy who had hands like a fiveeighth and feet like a fullback” left a lasting impression on the Northern Rivers community — both as a player and person.
It is what led the Raiders to still take on Bilambil that day.
While they eventually went down 34-8 to the competition heavyweights, Richardson said the way they overcame their pain to be right in the contest come halftime was monumental.
“It was still so raw, and for the boys to turn up and play so well for Jarius it was a credit to them and speaks volumes to Jarius himself and the respect he had from his peers and the public in general,” Richardson said.
“We were in disbelief, but they all wanted to play and they said so through the tears and emotion running wild. Every single one of them turned up for the game and I couldn’t have been prouder of them. They did not stop trying, they knew what they were trying for that day.
“It’s hurting them, it’s really hurting them so we’ve got some counselling coming down to training. He was just a very, very gifted young man. His passion, he wanted to be really competitive for the Raiders this year and he rubbed off on the team straight away.
“We’ve retired his jersey now and it’s something we’ve got to live up to and play for him each week. I’m sure he’d be smiling down and watching the boys making sure they’re on their toes each game.”
When Murphy-Phillips first turned up to the Raiders, Richardson didn’t not know what to expect. Rocking a white Tshirt, skinny jeans and a pair of Vans, the young utility went from simply wanting to meet the coach to training alongside his new teammates.
It did not take long for him to establish himself as a leader within the group; despite his tender years Richardson said every player went silent as Murphy-Phillips addressed them.
Richardson said while Murphy-Phillips originally took his place in the backrow for the Raiders, he planned on transitioning him into the halves, such was his ability.
He said anything he asked of the teenager he would do twice in an inspiring bid to ensure whatever he could offer the team he did so to the best of his ability.
The Raiders will honour Murphy-Phillips on Sunday with a ceremony at 1pm prior to their clash with Ballina.