‘Anger, frustrations, sadness’: Sydney Roosters stars’ emotional response to Bondi Junction tragedy

Eastern suburbs local Victor Radley was visibly emotional when speaking about the Bondi Junction stabbing tragedy.

Anger, shock, confusion and sadness were just some of the overwhelming emotions Sydney Roosters stars expressed on Sunday morning in the wake of the stabbing attack in Bondi that left six innocent people dead.

Roosters star Victor Radley, who has lived in the eastern suburbs all his life, was visibly emotional when asked about the tragedy that has shocked the entire city.

“It’s horrible, so horrible. I feel so sorry for all the families involved. In Bondi, my missus and baby were up there the day before. It’s horrible. You never want to see something like that,” Radley said.

“I was at the bowling club at Bronte when it happened yesterday (Saturday) afternoon. You could tell everyone was in shock, it’s horrible, just so sad.”

One of the six people dead is a new mother, who begged strangers to help save her nine-month old daughter after the baby was also stabbed multiple times.

Like Radley, forward Nat Butcher has recently become a new father.

The incident hit close to home for Butcher, who described Bondi Junction as the “heart” of the Roosters.

Victor Radley. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

“Anger, frustrations, sadness... a lot of emotions,” Butcher said

“It’s a pretty sad day, a few of the boys are really feeling it. Our thoughts and our prayers are with the victims’ families. Bondi Junction is such a heart of the club, we are all there a couple times a week. A lot of our partners and mums (go there). It’s affected so many people, it’s such a tragedy.”

A lone knifeman, now identified as Queenslander Joel Cauchi, was killed on the scene by a hero police officer responding to the incident. As well as the deaths of six people, eight others were hospitalised.

Connor Watson said the attack made him and his teammates feel “sick” with the Roosters utility fearing some of his own family and friends were caught up in the attack on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s shattering, it’s tragic. I really feel for everyone involved. It’s tough to see and it makes you feel sick and sad and a lot of emotions,” Watson said.

“It’s going to be a tough time for a lot of people, the fall out of this. I want to send my support to everyone involved.

People lay flowers for the victims. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer

“A lot of people go and get their groceries there, my little brother was there yesterday. I rang one of my mates to see where he was and he was there an hour before, so it’s pretty scary because it’s somewhere you go every couple of days.

“It’s just heartbreaking that something like that could happen.”

Others like forward Terrell May were still struggling to get a grasp over the attack that has affected not only himself but his teammates.

“My prayers and thoughts go out to all the families. A big shock, especially for this area. I was very sad this morning after the news. It’s a weird situation, I don’t know who can do that to families... just walk up and stab people like that,” May said.

“My thoughts are with the families in pain right now.”