Joel Dark funeral: Cousin of Boyd Cordner laid to rest in Taree

A fishing rod, a surfboard and his footy jumper adorned the casket of Joel Dark today as the teenage cousin of Sydney Roosters captain Boyd Cordner was laid to rest 16 days after sustaining an onfield head injury.

Joel Dark (top left), cousin of Boyd Cordner, with family following the Kangaroos' 2017 Rugby League World Cup final win over England. Picture: Robbie Dolan/NRL Photos

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Sydney Roosters captain and cousin Boyd Cordner was one of the pall bearers, as family and friends said their final goodbyes in a heartbreaking ceremony to Joel Richard ‘Squid’ Dark.

The “kind and free spirited” 19-year-old was laid to rest at a funeral service, on a football field in Taree on Tuesday, his casket adorned with his three loves, a fishing rod, surfboard and football jersey.

Joel Dark died after he collapsed at a Newcastle rugby league game on September 6. Credit: Go Fund Me Page

With COVID-19 restrictions limiting numbers, the teenagers service was also live streamed to nearly 500 others who loved, knew and adorned him.

“You make me feel brave and I always feel your arms around me,” mother Narelle Dark cried.

“You are my soul, my heart, my universe.

“The greatest gift was you being my son, I love you.”

The rugby league community mourned the “unimaginable loss” of Dark after he died on September 11 from a head injury sustained in a Father’s Day rugby match.

The 19-year-old was making his debut for Central Newcastle in first grade against Nelson Bay at St John oval in Charlestown on September 6 when he suffered a head knock.

He received treatment at the ground before being transported to John Hunter Hospital where he underwent emergency brain surgery, but later died.

The funeral of Joel Richard Dark, cousin of NRL player Boyd Cordner. Funeral was held via Zoom. Picture: supplied

The funeral service of Joel 'Squid' Dark was held in Taree on September 22. Supplied

Joel Dark (left) with his brother Kurt. The pair are cousins of Sydney Roosters star Boyd Cordner.

On Tuesday, brother Kurt said at the service he was always tight with his younger brother, who always made him strive to be better.

“Thankyou squid, you’re the best brother I could ask for,” he said breaking into tears.

Father Darrin said his son was not just a talented footballer but had started mechanical engineering at Newcastle University and was “forever learning” from people.

He sadly wished him goodbye in a heartfelt speech.

“I hope I can keep making you proud every day,” he said.

“I love you from a place in my heart I didn’t know I had. I love you forever mate.”

RIP Joel Dark.

Players stood for a minutes silence in memory of Joel Dark, before the round 18 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Newcastle Knights at the Sydney Cricket Ground on September 12 (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)