Footballer Troy Dargan’s shattered family make desperate pleas after he died aged 26 in horror crash over Christmas holidays

The family of footy star Troy Dargan have issued a plea for help to bring him home as NRL clubs pay tribute to the 26-year-old after he died in a motorcycle crash while on holiday in the Cook Islands.

Dargan, 26, played two NRL matches for the Rabbitohs in 2020 and also represented the Cook Islands twice in 2019.

He died on Christmas Eve on the South Pacific island after the tragic news was first announced by his management, Aria Sports Group.

Dargan spent two seasons with the Brisbane Broncos (pictured), one of several clubs to pay tribute to him on Boxing Day

The former Australian Schoolboys playmaker started his career at Parramatta before moving to the Broncos, where he spent two seasons in the Queensland Cup before joining Souths.

Dargan was in the Sea Eagles system in 2023 and played six games for Blacktown Workers.

His family on Boxing Day launched a fundraising page on GoFundMe to seek assistance with the costs of bringing him back to Australia.

At the time of writing, it had raised more than $35,000, after originally asking for $25,000 in donations.

“Dearest family, friends and fans of Troy “Tj” Dargan. On behalf of my beloved sister-in-law Wendy and her husband Troy Dargan, it pains me so much to write this,” the message read.

“Our family is trying to return his body to Sydney, Australia. With his passing just before Christmas and the suddenness of it all, I am trying to help alleviate the financial costs in any way I can and am kindly asking people to donate to this cause.

“The timing of all this means the costs are much greater than we could have imagined.

“He was the most loving, caring son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend you could ask for.

The 26-year-old (pictured after signing with Canberra), known as ‘TJ’, was praised as ‘loving and caring’ by his family as they appealed for donations to bring his body back to Sydney

“TJ never gave up, even when things got tough. He pushed himself to the limit and that’s what made him so incredible.

“There are no words that will ever be able to express how deeply hurt we are all as a family and it is truly one of the most devastating things any of us can experience right now.”

The post concludes by noting that the excess money raised will go towards Dargan’s funeral.

NRL clubs paid tribute to the halfback and five-eighth on Boxing Day.

“On behalf of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles, our club extends its deepest condolences to the Troy family,” Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov said.

“Troy has been a highly respected and popular member of the playing squad over the past two seasons.

Dargan broke through to the first grade at South Sydney in 2020 (pictured).

“He was a man of great integrity and values, who worked very hard to become not only a better player, but just as importantly a kind and genuine man.

“Troy always smiled, even when injuries tested his resilience.

“Troy has also done great work in the community, where he has made many friends through his positive energy.

“He will be sadly missed by everyone at the Sea Eagles.”

Dargan had joined the Raiders this preseason and had an immediate impact on the rest of the playing group.

“This is a very sad time for Troy’s family and friends, and we will respect their privacy and provide support where we can to help them during this difficult time,” Raiders CEO Don Furner said.

Male CEO Tony Mestrov called Dargan ‘a man of great integrity and values’

“Troy was only 26 years old and we were looking forward to him having the opportunity to continue his NRL career with our club.

“The news is also very sad for Troy’s current teammates, and we will provide support to anyone who needs it at this time.”

South Sydney’s statement read: “The Rabbitohs and the entire rugby league community mourn the passing of former player Troy Dargan,” accompanied by a link to the GoFundMe page.

The Brisbane Broncos said the team was “deeply saddened” to hear of Dargan’s death.

‘Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones. Always part of the Broncos family,” the club wrote on social media.