He was the kid from Dubbo who was a “best mate” and “like a brother” to many as he went out into the world and the numbers at his funeral stood testament to that.

More than a thousand people came to St Brigid’s Catholic Church in Dubbo yesterday to share their grief with the family who lost so much.

Mr Robinson, 21, was tragically killed in an accident in London two weeks ago.

In the days that followed the Dubbo community rushed to support parents Larry and Chris and siblings Kylie and Beau.

At the overflowing church yesterday the community, joined by Mr Robinson’s friends from St Stanislaus’ College and Gordon Rugby Club, were there to proclaim they would miss the lovable larrikin.

No one was left in doubt about Mr Robinson’s passion for rugby after eulogies by uncle Geoff Rowett, St Stanislaus’ College’s John Welsh, Gordon Highlanders’ Graham Boyle and Robert Bruce and Beau Robinson.

Stannies rugby coach John Welsh remembered the “pint-sized number nine” who oozed toughness on the field.

Mr Robinson was the first Year 11 student to be named captain, he said.

“Dan was a person who people looked up to and I will always remember him,” he said.

Gordon coach Robert Bruce told the story of an injured Mr Robinson at a grand final the team was losing.

“He said ‘Bruce I have 10 minutes in me, put me on and I’ll win this game’,” Mr Bruce said.

With seven minutes to go Mr Robinson scored “the winning try” and defended the lead.

Mr Bruce yesterday remembered his player’s words at the fulltime siren.

“He said ‘Bruce I told you I’d win this game’,” Mr Bruce said.

But overarching rugby were the deep relationships Mr Robinson formed in his life, none more so than with his family.

Elder brother Beau captured the essence of the brother with the “cheeky grin”, sending more tears flowing down mourners’ faces.