Teammates and friends of Sam Fraser are struggling to come to terms with his death after he drowned while swimming at Churchies Reserve on Monday afternoon.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 16-year-old was a talented sportsman and was hugely popular with clubmates and those he played against in cricket and rugby league.
In September he captained the St John’s to a premiership in the Dubbo and District Junior Rugby League (DDJRL) under 16s competition and had established himself in the South Dubbo Hornets first grade cricket team.
Souths president Joshua Williams said Sam’s death had left everyone at the club in shock.
“When I found out, I just sat there. I am just numb. I still can’t believe it. I’m still waiting for someone to tell me it isn’t true,” he said.
Josh said Sam had started with the South Dubbo club in 2013 and made his way through the grades. The young leg-spinner had a knack of picking up a wicket when it was needed.
“Sam’s proudest cricketing memory wasn’t his first wicket or taking that classic catch against Macquarie in round 1 this year, or even making his first grade debut, but when he had the privilege of batting with his father, and life member of South Dubbo, Michael,” he said.
“To Michael, Karen, Grace and all of the Frasers family and friends; the Hornets are here for you. As a club we will pull together to get through this difficult time.”
Sam’s coach in the St John’s under 16s, Bernard Wilson, said he was struggling to deal with the situation and declined to comment other than calling Sam a “champion little kid” and the club described him as a “born leader”.
A halfback, Sam had played junior representative football and was a good clubman, according to DDJRL president Neil Millgate.
“This is a really tragic and unfortunate situation. The rugby league community will do everything it can to assist Sam’s family and our thoughts are with Karen and Mick,” he said.
Sam was swimming with friends at Churchies Reserve, he failed to surface after taking a turn swinging on a rope into the Macquarie River.
He was last seen at 3pm and a search involving police, the Dubbo Rescue Squad and family and friends lasted five hours before his body was located.