TRIBUTES have flowed for a young Gundagai rugby league player who on Wednesday afternoon had his life support system turned off after a freak on-field accident on the weekend.
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Lui Polimeni’s family on Wednesday made the heart-wrenching decision to turn off his life support following a three-day bedside vigil at the Canberra Hospital.
The tight-knit Gundagai club was left devastated by the loss of one of their brightest stars, in a tragedy which doctors labelled “one in a million”.
Jugiong born-and-bred, Lui, 15, was described as a driven and popular kid with a heart of gold.
“It's been such a blessing to have him here. He's one of the best kids I've ever come across,” Gundagai Tigers secretary Martin Hay said.
“Just last week, Lui offered to take a book of raffle tickets for a Harley Davidson we are raffling off and he sold it in two days.
“He was always first to training and last to leave, and he will live on forever with us.”
Murrumburrah High School principal John McFadyen remembered Lui as a “likable kid, who was adored and loved by everyone”.
Only playing his first season with the Gundagai under 16s, Lui was already tipped by team-mates and mentors as a big prospect.
“He was a super footballer who was very fast, a very good defender and a great ball-player,” Mr Hay said.
The Gundagai Tigers on Wednesday announced the 15-year-old had suffered “massive stroke symptoms”.
"After deep consideration, Lui's life support system will be switched off today after he suffered massive stroke symptoms. He fought a great battle but was not able to recover," they said.
The Murrumburrah High School student collapsed on the field after he was concussed by a tackle on Sunday.
“The hearts of the entire Rugby League community go out to Lui’s family and team mates today. You're in our thoughts and prayers,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.
Mr Hay urged that the club and family send their best wishes to the Tumut man involved in the tackle, who should “hold his head high”.
His family said the following in a touching statement:
“Lui loved his footy. Lui loved the Tigers. Lui loved his mates and his team mates. Lui gave his best every time he played.”
He is survived by his parents, Jenny and Gino, and his brother Joey.
