Qld rugby league community mourns death of Jerome Joel Leedy
A former Queensland rugby league prodigy, who spent time with the Brisbane Broncos, has been remembered as a man who would “light up the room”. SEE HIS CAREER IN PICTURES
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A former Queensland rugby league prodigy, who was widely regarded as one of the best young talents in Brisbane, has been remembered as a man who would “light up the room” as family and friends pay an emotional tribute following his death.
The state’s football community is still in mourning after the death of one of Brisbane rugby league’s more popular figures in Jerome Joel Leedy on April 13.
Leedy, originally from Charleville, was raised in Brisbane’s north and attended Wavell Heights
State School and Wavell State High School, where his love for rugby league grew.
The young star would go on to become one of the best centres in the region during his juniors, representing Queensland and Australia, even going head-to-head with one of the game’s greatest in James Tedesco in 2010.
Leedy toured Europe as part of the Australian Schoolboys side and would go on to play for several clubs, including Norths Devils, Aspley, Natives, the Stingers, Brothers and even time at the Brisbane Broncos for their under-20s side.
He also was a father-of-four to Kanara-Lee, Nakkiyra, Taneisha and Jermaine.
His niece, Ceferina Leedy-Villarin, said her uncle was one of her favourite people in the world.
“Growing up Jerome was a cheeky and energetic young boy who loved to joke around make people laugh,” she said.
“Jerome will be remembered as a loving young man, who would always light up the room as soon as he walked in.
“A smart and talented man who travelled everywhere and was loved and known by many. He would do anything for those he loved and cared about.
“He will be missed by all so much and gatherings will not feel the same. His children will be his legacy.
“Even though he my dad’s brother, he was also my dad, brother and best friend, we are only seven years apart.
“He was the most protective person to us but he was truly a teddy I could tell anything to.
“We would always joke around and stir each other up. He loved his kids and all his nieces and nephews so much.
“Will definitely miss him.”
Tony Lopez, who was an assistant coach for Leedy’s Aspley team, said he was an incredible talent but a better person.
“I met Jerome about five or six years ago through footy at Aspley,” he said.
“He was an awesome player man, give him early ball and he would bust the line at will, was good to watch.”
“He could hit too, I’ve seen him jam out of the line and put on a massive shot and the best thing was the smile on his face whilst he was doing it.
“He lit up everywhere with his personality at training, the games, in the sheds and even outside of footy, he was the same funny loud as man.
“The one thing I loved about Jerome was the time he had for my four boys, he always looked out for them.”
His family said they preferred not to comment on the cause of his death.
Leedy will be remembered at a service on April 28 at the Victory Centre at Bridgeman Downs with the wake at North St Josephs Junior Rugby League Club.
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