Scott Dureau, a former halfback for the Newcastle Knights and Catalan Dragons, has tragically passed away at the age of 39 after a battle with cancer.
The news was confirmed by the Catalan Dragons on Monday evening, with reports stating that he had died of brain cancer.
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It is understood that he had been battling the illness for well over a decade after it was first identified as a problem back in 2013 when a tumour was found behind his eye.
“A former iconic player of the club, Scott had been courageously battling cancer for several years,” the Dragons said in a statement.
“Beyond the exceptional player that he was, Scott was a man cherished by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
“His talent and numerous achievements on the field, but above all his humility and kindness, will forever be etched in our memories.
“In these painful moments, President Bernard Guasch and the entire club extend their most sincere condolences to his wife Libby, his two daughters Imogen and Everly, his family, and all his loved ones.”
Dureau played 42 matches over four seasons with the Knights before making the switch to the Super League, where he racked up a further 97 appearances for Catalans.
Named in the Super League’s ‘Dream Team’ in 2011 and 2012, he won the Albert Goldthorpe – the competition’s equivalent of the NRL’s Dally M medal – in the latter season before retiring in 2015.
Scott Dureau celebrates kicking the winning field goal in golden point extra-time of Newcastle Knights v Manly Sea Eagles NRL game at EnergyAustralia Stadium in Newcastle.Source: News Limited