NRL player Troy Dargan tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident while on holiday in the Cook Islands. The 26-year-old, who had recently signed a two-year contract with the Canberra Raiders, played two NRL games for South Sydney in 2020. The news of his untimely demise was confirmed by his management, Aria Sports Group, on Christmas Day.
Dargan, affectionately known as TJ, was a talented playmaker with a promising career ahead of him. He represented Australia at the schoolboy level and played for the New South Wales under-20s team. During his time at Parramatta, he was recognized as the halfback in the 2016 Holden Cup Team of the Year.
After his stint at Parramatta, Dargan joined the Brisbane Broncos, playing for their reserve grade affiliates, Norths, from 2018 to 2019. He later reunited with former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett at the Rabbitohs, where he made his first-grade debut in May 2020 against the Sydney Roosters. Dargan partnered with club legend Adam Reynolds in the halves for two games before making way for Cody Walker’s return.
The talented player had signed with the Raiders for the upcoming season after representing Manly’s Blacktown Workers in the NSW Cup six times in 2023. Dargan also had international experience, having represented the Cook Islands on two occasions. In one memorable match in late 2019, he scored two tries in a 38-16 victory over the United States.
The NRL community is deeply saddened by Dargan’s passing. His management and family released a statement expressing their grief and requesting privacy during this difficult time. On behalf of the Dargan family, it is with a heavy heart that we share the news of TJ’s tragic passing overnight, read the statement from Aria Sports Group. TJ will be greatly missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
The loss of such a promising young talent serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life. The NRL and its fans extend their deepest condolences to the Dargan family and friends during this time of immense sorrow. The impact that Troy Dargan had on the sport will always be remembered, and his untimely passing is felt throughout the rugby league community.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers should be aware that this article contains images of a deceased person.
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