Former Newcastle Knights and Catalans Dragons star Scott Dureau has died aged 39.
The Dragons announced the sad news on their social media after he had been battling cancer for a number of years.
Dureau began his professional career with the Knights back in 2007 where he spent three years.
He featured 42 times for the NRL side where he scored five tries and accrued 48 points across his stint with the club.
Dureau would then move to the Catalans Dragons where he would spend the majority of his career.
He played 97 games for the Dragons and was named the first-choice half-back upon signing for the club.
Scott Dureau has sadly died aged 39 after being diagnosed with cancer in 2019
Dureau played for the Newcastle Knights for three years before moving to the Catalans Dragons
Scott Dureau is survived by his wife Libby and daughters Everly and Imogen
He enjoyed both team and individual success during his stint with the Dragons where he was named to the Super League Dream team in 2011.
‘A former iconic player of the club, Scott had been courageously battling cancer for several years,’ the Super League club said in a statement.
‘Beyond being an exceptional player, Scott was a man admired by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His outstanding talent and achievements on the field, but above all his humility and kindness, will forever remain in our memories.
‘At this difficult time, everyone at the Catalans Dragons send their deepest condolences to his wife Libby, his two daughters Imogen and Everly, his family, and all those who were close to him.’
Dureau had battled cancer on and off after an initial brain tumour diagnosis in 2013
He was initially given 18 months to live after the terminal diagnosis but he courageously battled the disease for seven years
Dureau was tragically given a terminal cancer diagnosis back in 2019 after his brain cancer returned for a second time and spread to his lungs.
He was initially diagnosed with a brain tumour after suffering headaches and blurred vision while playing for the Dragons in 2013.
He had successful surgery at the time that removed the tumour but it sadly returned in 2019 and spread to his lungs.
The 39-year-old was only given 18-months to live at the time but courageously fought the disease for another seven years.
In 2023 Dureau was diagnosed with a further cluster of five small tumours in his brain, they were found during a routine check-up.
That marked the fourth time he had been diagnosed with a brain tumour following his initial diagnosis.
Heartwarming tributes have poured in for the former Dragon and Knight including from Super League team Hull.
The club wrote under the Dragons post on X, ‘Everyone at Hull FC sends their deepest condolences to Scott’s family and friends, and everyone at the Dragons at this difficult time. Rest In Peace, Scott.’
The Huddersfield Giants, also wrote, ‘Huddersfield Giants send their deepest condolences to Catalans Dragons, and Scott’s family and Friends at this difficult time R.I.P’
