Sarah Togatuki: State of Origin star who was already reeling from her brother's suicide stuns teammates with incredible act just days after her sister died
They may have lost the match, but New South Wales star Sarah Togatuki showed incredible bravery just to play in Thursday night's Origin clash in Newcastle.
The Blues forward showed unbelievable to take the field just days after the sudden death of her sister Jean, which followed the tragic death of her brother Junior, who took his own life in February.
Jean passed away on Saturday following a brief hospital stay, leaving the Togatuki family devastated.
Despite her grief, Sarah played in Thursday night's match against Queensland, contributing 42 metres in a 14-minute stint before a head knock forced her off the field.
At fulltime, she was visibly emotional, surrounded by loved ones who had come to support her in Newcastle.
The Blues team wore black armbands in Jean's memory, standing in solidarity with their grieving teammate.
Coach John Strange praised Togatuki's courage, expressing doubt that any other player could have matched her strength in such circumstances.
'I don't know if I could have done that [after] losing a sister on Saturday,' he said after the game.
'I had a chat to her about spending time with her family, but it was also really important to her and her family that she came out and represented them.
'So to show the strength of character to do that, is a real testament to who she is as a person and the love she has for her family and the game that she plays.
'She's certainly not underestimated by any of us for what she does. Outstanding player and even better person.'
Captain Isabelle Kelly, a longtime NRLW teammate, said the squad had supported Togatuki through the tragedy.
'When you know Sala, she's an infectious type of person. She wasn't in camp with us for a bit and we missed her, we missed her presence,' Kelly said.
'She puts everyone before herself and she's just really inspiring.
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A post shared by Sarah Togatuki (@salatogatuki)
Sarah let all the emotion flow out at fulltime after climbing into the stands to be with her family
The extended family all travelled to Newcastle to support Sarah with a sign saying that Jean was her #1 supporter
'A lot of us were saying we wouldn't have been able to do what she has done this week.
'She was a huge inspiration for us leading into this game and I know she would have done her family so proud, even though she came off, she's done all of us proud with the strength that she has.
'I feel really honoured and lucky to be able to pull on a jersey alongside her.'
Jean has been honoured with an outpouring of tributes on social media, including from her daughter.
'I never thought I had to say this speech so young but I promise to fulfill the dream you and I shared I promise to do you proud I will live in your name loud and proud,' she wrote.
'The stadiums have been quiet without and also the house hold , you've made a massive impact on many lives and I am glad to be named your daughter mum I love you deeper than the sea could ever get.'
Sarah herself posted a lengthy tribute to her 'best friend' and also revealed it came after the loss of her brother.
'In the blink of an eye, our family's world changed. My beautiful big sister gained her wings and has gone to be with our brother JNR,' she posted.
The tributes flowed on social media including a heartbreaking post from Jean's daughter
'It still doesn't feel real. She was only admitted to hospital two weeks ago, and now she's gone. The pain is overwhelming, especially for her four beautiful babies.
'She wasn't just my sister. She was my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, and the quiet glue that held our family together.
'After losing our brother, she vowed to protect us all, and she truly lived that promise. She always showed up. Always put others before herself. Always stood on loyalty and love.
'I'm numb. Still struggling to find the words. My sister carried a light that touched so many. She had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and loved. If she loved you, you felt it deeply.
'She was a mother figure to many and a steady anchor in every phase of life she walked through.'
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