Truganina Rabbitohs‘ star Lafitani Ataongo dies after motorcycle, car collide in Werribee
A tight-knit rugby league club in Melbourne’s west is mourning the loss of a star player, who died after his motorcycle collided with a car in Werribee.
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A tight-knit rugby league club in Melbourne’s west is mourning the loss of a star player and “cherished member” following his tragic death earlier this week.
Lafitani Ataongo, known affectionately as Lafi or Toko to loved ones, died on Tuesday evening after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a vehicle along Watton St, Werribee.
The gentle giant has left a gaping hole at the Truganina Rabbitohs Rugby League Club, where he’s been a long-time member since walking through the doors as a spritely 20-year-old.
“He wasn’t just a player, but one of the original members of the Truganina Rabbitohs’ senior men’s team since its inception in 2017,” a club spokesman said.
“His presence both on and off the field was truly remarkable. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
Friend Joe Laga’aia spoke of the Werribee man’s influence at the Truganina club, as well as his ability to inspire the entire playing group – win or loss.
“(He was) a genuine and authentic leader who helped pioneer and instilled the family culture,” Mr Laga’aia said in a moving post shared to social media.
“Your presence will be sadly missed at the club.”
The father-of-two, originally from Avondale in New Zealand, was also known as a motor enthusiast who regularly enjoyed rides on his motorcycle before tragedy struck.
In his last post shared to Instagram, Mr Ataongo could be seen meticulously spray painting and repairing cars alongside the caption: “In it for the long run.”
According to friends, Mr Ataongo most recently worked at Capital Smart Repairs where he honed his craft and passion for motor vehicles.
Loved one Mattie Watts told the Herald Sun he was shattered at the sudden loss of Mr Ataongo, whom he met 10 years ago while working together.
Despite having moved on to different jobs, the pair formed a deep friendship that continued well beyond time spent on the job.
“He was such an amazing person friend and father and co-worker,” Mr Watts said.
“It’s a great loss to his friends and family that he’s no longer with us, but he will remain in our hearts.”
A total 183 lives have been lost on Victoria’s roads this year-to-date, marking a 24 per cent increase in road fatalities than this time last year.
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Originally published as Truganina Rabbitohs‘ star Lafitani Ataongo dies after motorcycle, car collide in Werribee
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