Rugby league greats joined Scott Dureau's family and friends to farewell the former Newcastle Knights halfback after his death from cancer at age 39. Hundreds of mourners gathered at Pettigrew's Main Chapel in Mayfield West on Monday to celebrate his life and impact on the game.
His wife Libby and daughters Imogen and Everly were joined by former teammates, coaches and current Knights players for the service. Dureau's children lit candles and placed pictures on their father's casket as the family paid tribute to the husband, father, brother, footballer and coach they loved.
Libby said that though they could no longer see him or hold his hand, his story was far from over. She said it lived on in every memory they cherish, every kindness inspired by his example, every lesson he taught without even knowing, and every heart forever changed because he was part of it.
Family and teammates pay tribute
Dureau's brother Luke remembered him as a constant and dependable presence throughout his life. He said Dureau had always been there for him, solid, dependable and brotherly, and had been there to fight for him when he needed it.
Newcastle greats Danny Buderus and Kurt Gidley attended the funeral alongside former Manly and Catalans star Steve Menzies. Knights captain Kalyn Ponga was among members of the current Newcastle squad who also gathered to pay their respects. The large turnout reflected Dureau's influence during his time with Newcastle and French Super League club Catalans Dragons.
A coaching legacy
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson credited Dureau with helping launch his coaching career. Robinson said Dureau was the one out of all the players who gave him his start in coaching and gave him the belief to continue.
Robinson called it Dureau's greatest gift, saying he carries him everywhere whenever he coaches. He said Dureau laid the foundation for him, and that was his personal thank you.
Gidley said Dureau's character away from rugby league mattered more than anything he achieved on the field. He said it was the person he was to start with, not the player, calling him a beautiful human. Gidley said that over the last 13 years, as Dureau battled cancer, he never complained, never kicked stones and was never down or flat, something Gidley admired in him.
From Taree to Super League stardom
Dureau was born in Taree on July 29, 1986. He played his junior football with the Port Macquarie Sharks before joining Newcastle's development system.
He made his NRL debut in 2007 and played 42 matches for the Knights across four seasons. The goal-kicking halfback later became a Super League star with Catalans, playing 97 games and scoring 811 points for the French club.
He was selected in the Super League Dream Team in 2011 and 2012 and won the Albert Goldthorpe Medal in 2012. Dureau retired after the 2015 season and returned to Newcastle, where he worked in coaching and development roles. His 13-year battle with cancer ended on July 18, just 11 days before his 40th birthday.
