Joey Henry in Royals colours. Photo: Royals Facebook.
As news filtered through Canberra’s rugby community on the weekend of the passing of Joey Henry, there was a sense of overwhelming disbelief as many double-checked the authenticity of the terrible news.
His death on Friday (3 October) following a farm vehicle accident on a property near Cobar was difficult for his teammates at the Royals Rugby Club and his former school, Marist College, to process.
At 19 years of age, Joey had the world at his feet, a gifted footballer captaining the Marist College First XV to the title in 2023 before making first grade at Royals straight out of school in the club’s 2024 John I Dent Cup premiership win.
Such was his talent that he was in the Brumbies Academy program.
But Joey will be remembered for more than his football prowess.
To a person, everybody I have spoken to in the Canberra rugby community has expressed what a great young man he was, with an extremely caring nature, radiating positivity.
His popularity among his teammates has been there for all to see on social media this week.
There was also a tribute from Marist College, where his family has a strong attachment, particularly through rugby, with his brother Benny, who is currently completing Year 12.
Joey Henry from his Marist College days. Photo: Marist College Facebook.
“Joey made a significant contribution to our college community. A proud member of Francois House, he also served as Captain of the 1st XV Rugby team, guiding the team to a memorable premiership win. Beyond his achievements, Joey will be remembered for his gentle and caring nature and for the deep love he held for his school.”
More than 50 members of the Royals family, including his teammates, gathered on Monday to collectively support each other; it is what rugby and sport in general do so well.
The Royals community was comforted by the presence of a member of the sports chaplaincy program. His teammates will have an education session run by Menslink focusing on coping with grief on Thursday, 9 October, at 6 pm at the clubhouse.
The rugby community has wrapped their arms around the players and the broader Royals family.
“It’s about coming together for a common passion with rugby. And with things like this, we have come together to support each other. The club provides an important framework for the players,” Royals president Jim Taylor said.
On the Royals’ Facebook, a post stated, “Now, more than ever, we need to pull together as one Royals family, to wrap our arms around the Henrys and around each other”.
It will take some time.
