MOREE came together as one – a united community – to offer support and condolences when the Munro, Fernando and Caldwell families were hit by a heartbreaking double tragedy during the week.

Kirawhan Fernando, the mum of NRL Rabbitohs winger Tyrone Munro, passed away on Wednesday. Her brother, Raymond “Dunka” Caldwell, died two days later.

Heartwarming messages, family photos, red and green balloons and streamers, and South Sydney Rabbitohs flags and memorabilia were displayed at homes, businesses and fencing across Moree, in support of the grieving families.

An, in an act of incredible bravery, 19-year-old Tyrone – known affectionately as “Ty Ty” – ran on against Penrith Panthers on Friday night.

And he did his mum and uncle proud, scoring two tries at just his third NRL first-grade appearance this year.

Teammates wore black armbands as a mark of respect and embraced and hugged the young player after each try.

In Moree, a Friday night football community event, in collaboration with the Guumali Youth Project, was held at Kamilaroi Park to watch the South Sydney-Penrith Panthers clash on a big screen.

Residents were invited to bring along chairs and blankets – and they turned up in droves.

The huge crowd roared when Tyrone intercepted an Izack Tago pass to run nearly the length of the field at BlueBet Stadium to score wide of the uprights.

Lloyd and Mona Munro at Moree TAFE College, which proudly displayed “Moree is with you, on and off the field” (Image Copyright).

Tyrone’s uncle, Lloyd Munro, wasn’t at all surprised by the way Moree has rallied behind Tyrone and his family.

“We were in Sydney, and saw on social media how the whole town got behind Tyrone and his family . . . it’s just unbelievable,” Mr Munro said.

“But that’s Moree to a T. At the end of the day, when the chips are down, Moree comes together as one.

“The support for Tyrone is incredible, and he’ll be over the moon when  he sees what Moree has done.

“Losing his mother, then two days later losing his uncle, his mum’s brother, which is a person Tyrone looked up to and grew up with in Glebe.”

Mr Munro and his wife Mona rushed to Sydney to be with family after the death of Kirawhan.

“We went to the motel to have a rest and got a phone call telling us Dunka was gone too,” Mr Munro said.

Tyrone’s salute to his mother when scoring her try was a special moment.

“Tyrone went out there to do something for himself, his mum and uncle and represented his family with the greatest honour,” Mr Munro said.

“If anyone old or young – especially young – is looking for encouragement or inspiration, they only need to see what Tyrone Munro did on Friday night.

“I don’t think anyone has ever done anything like that – gone out and played football after losing a mum and uncle.

“Football is Tyrone’s life – that’s what he loves – and I think everyone there on Friday saw a future star of the game,” he said.

Words and Image: Bill Poulos

13YARN: 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days)

Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days)