A promising football star has been tragically killed in a quad bike accident on his family’s farm in outback central NSW.
Joey Henry had been riding the vehicle on the remote property south of Cobar earlier this month when the tragic accident unfolded.
The 19-year-old was a recent graduate of Marist College, played rugby with the Canberra Royals and was part of the ACT Brumbies junior system.
‘It is with the deepest sadness that we share the tragic news of the passing of one of our much-loved Royals family members, Joey Henry, who was taken far too soon in a accident over the weekend,’ the Royals said in a statement.
‘Our hearts are with his family during this heartbreaking time. Joey was a cherished part of our community, and his loss will be felt deeply across the club.
‘Now, more than ever, we need to pull together as one Royals family, to wrap our arms around the Henrys and around each other.’
The organisation has teamed with Menslink, a Canberra-based mental health service, to support their members in processing the loss.
Joey Henry (pictured) died in a quad bike accident on his family’s farm on October 3
Joey (pictured) recently received the Royals’ club McInnes Trophy for being the most promising junior graduate
Marist College, where Joey graduated in 2023 and his brother is a student, shared an emotional tribute on October 7.
‘Joey made a significant contribution to our College community. A proud member of Francois House, he also served as Captain of the first XV Rugby team, guiding the team to a memorable premiership win,’ it said.
‘Beyond his achievements, Joey will be remembered for his gentle and caring nature and for the deep love he held for his school.
‘We entrust Joey to the loving care of our compassionate God and we hold the Henry family and friends close in our Marist community of support and prayer.’
The school offered support to students affected by the news, including Joey’s brother’s class.
Joey was involved in the Brumbies system since he was 16 years old.
He was part of the 2024 Super Rugby under-19 Brumbies team that one the championship and played his last game for the program as part of the under-20 Brumbies earlier this year.
The champ died just two days before his former teammates in the Super Rugby under-19 Brumbies were due to play a grand final against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.
Several members only learned of his death moments before boarding the bus to head to the game.
‘That was pretty tough because there were a couple of boys in the team that were very close to Joey,’ Brumbies Academy coach Dan Hooper told the Canberra Times.
‘The under-19s head coach Lachlan Creighton did a really good job. More than half the team were in the academy, so they knew Joey really well and trained with him all year, so it certainly rocked the group.
‘There were also some teachers in the staff as well that had done a lot of pastoral care in their time – they did a really good job.’
The Brumbies lost 31-24 to the Waratahs.
A moment of silence was held for Joey before the match and players wore black armbands in his honour.
Joey won a prestigious Royals’ club award, the McInnes Trophy, last year for being the most promising junior graduate.
His death sparked an outpouring from Canberra’s rugby community.
‘Absolutely heartbreaking news,’ Wests Lions posted on social media.
‘Our deepest condolences go out to Joey’s family, friends and the entire Canberra Royals rugby community.
‘We’re holding you all in our thoughts and hearts during this incredibly difficult time.’
