Hundreds gather to farewell NRL great Lance Thompson at funeral
SOME of rugby league’s biggest names have gathered in Sydney to farewell one of the game’s toughest forwards, Lance Thompson, following his sudden death last month.
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A WISE man once said a person’s greatest legacy is making others feel special in their presence.
Lance “Thommo” Thompson possessed this trait in spades.
Thompson forged a reputation on and off the field during his 239 NRL games for St George, St George Illawarra and Cronulla.
The affable forward’s popularity as a player and person was on show at a packed Horizon Church in Sutherland on Friday as the league community came together to pay tribute to the much-loved fan favourite.
Some of rugby league’s biggest names, including NRL CEO Todd Greenberg, gathered to farewell one of the game’s greatest characters.
Former teammates, including Trent Barrett, Anthony Mundine, Ben Hornby, Brett Kimmorley and Mark Riddell were also part of the 500-strong attendance.
Fox League commentator Andrew Voss delivered a fitting eulogy.
Voss first met Thompson in 1994 while covering his Commonwealth Bank Cup match for Kingsgrove High School against Patrician Brothers Fairfield at Parramatta Stadium.
“Lance scored a try on the day wearing jumper 13,” Voss recalled.
“I remember meeting him briefly after the game, just a quick handshake. But I knew then this was a man in a schoolboy’s body.
“As a commentator, I’ve always been reluctant to tag too many young players as certainties to play first grade but Lance Thompson was certainly an exception.
“So, come 1995, it was no surprise to me that I would see him break into first grade as a 17-year-old.
“I called his debut against Cronulla and I can vividly remember how excited my co-commentator Paul Vautin was to see this kid, Thompson. Fatty said, ‘you beauty, another red-headed back-rower’.”.
From Australian Schoolboy sensation to NRL star, Thompson finished with an impressive league resume. But his legacy, especially with fans, extends well beyond stats.
“Because statistics don’t show the character or the personality of the man,” Voss said. “I’m actually here representing thousands of rugby league fans.
“Most of them never met Lance but felt like they knew him. They were attracted to a bloke who they’d love to have over for a barbecue.”
Close friend and former teammate Mark Gasnier grew up in the St George region with Thompson and spoke fondly about the funny side to the uncompromising, tough and relentless competitor.
“Thommo was also a practical joker who loved to take the p... out of his teammates,” Gasnier said.
“He would change his own number in your phone so it appeared as Dragons CEO Peter Doust. He’d also climb out from behind a wall to scare the hell out of you or he’d tie your bootlaces up over and over again.”
Thompson may have loved football and food but his passion was family. He adored his partner, Hayley, and three children, Shalisse (17) and five-year-old twins Lachlan and Laylah.
Shalisse spoke beautifully as she paid tribute to her father and best friend.
“Dad, I will cherish the 17 years of memories we made together,” she said.
“You are my world, you are my everything.
“Since I was a child, at every sporting event I’d look to the crowds to see if my dad was there.
“Without fail he was always in the front row, putting his fists in the air and cheering me on.”
Rest in peace, Thommo.