Tweed and Gold Coast rugby league communities mourn the death of young indigenous player Jarius Murphy-Phillips

Police are chasing information from the public after a much-loved rugby league player was struck by two cars and died, as family and friends grieve the 19-year-old’s sudden passing.

Police have renewed an appeal for information from the public after a much-loved young rugby league player was struck by two cars and died while walking along a busy road.

It comes as a fundraiser has been started to support the family of Jarius Murphy-Phillips, who was just 19-year-old when he was hit by the vehicles at Chinderah just after midnight on Sunday, May 1.

Emergency services were called to the northbound lanes of the Pacific Motorway (M1) near the intersection of Sexton Hill Dr “after reports a pedestrian had been struck by two vehicles”, according to NSW Police Force.

“Officers attached to Tweed Byron Police District attended, along with NSW Ambulance paramedics who rendered aid to a 19-year-old man, however, he was unable to be revived,” a statement read.

“The drivers of the two vehicles – a 36-year-old woman who was driving a Mitsubishi Pajero, and a 52-year-old man who was driving a Toyota Hiace bus – were uninjured and taken to Tweed Heads Hospital for mandatory testing.

“A crime scene was established and inquiries commenced.”

It’s understood a taxi was involved in the incident.

Police do not believe at this stage that the drivers were under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, a police spokeswoman said.

Officers have been investigating why Murphy-Phillips was walking along the motorway in the middle of the night.

Police have now appealed for “anyone with information or dashcam footage” around the M1 at Chinderah between the evening of Saturday, April 30 and the morning of Sunday, May 1 to come forward to assist.

Tweed Coast Raiders SRLFC posted this tribute to Jarius Murphy-Phillips. Picture: Tweed Coast Raiders SRLFC/Facebook

Police have also urged motorists who were driving on the M1 from Chinderah Service Centre to Barneys Point Bridge at the time to phone Tweed Heads Police Station on 07 5506 9499, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe launched by Jayden McNamara after Mr Murphy-Phillips’ death had raised more than $11.900 of its $15,000 target thanks to more than 250 donations by early Monday morning.

Mr McNamara wrote: “Our loved brother, nephew, cousin, mate sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning at the young age of 19.”

“Jarius was a proud Aboriginal and a proud family man that had one of the biggest smiles and best personalities,” he said.

Jarius Murphy-Phillips on the field in an older photo. Picture: Facebook

“He has touched the hearts of so many people over the years and has gave us many memories.

“We have set up a GoFundMe to help the family with the cost of a funeral to save them one less worry threw (sic) this hard time so if you can, please donate.”

Family and friends have been posting poignant memories and tributes to Mr Murphy-Phillips on social media, describing his sudden death as “heartbreaking”.

A woman wrote: “Can’t believe it. My heart is so heavy. Gunna’ miss that Colgate smile️.”

The wider rugby league community in the Tweed and the Gold Coast have also paid tribute to the talented young player.

‘For Jarius’: Brave battle to honour ‘magic’ teammate’s tragic passing

May 4: “We know he’d want us to give our best.”

That, according to Shane Richardson, was the motivation behind the Tweed Coast Raiders reserve grade side’s brave battle on Sunday afternoon.

Mere hours after Jarius Murphy-Phillips died that same morning, his teammates were fighting on the field in his honour.

It spoke to the 19-year-old’s infectious nature, one which had an immediate impact on the club from the moment he first took to the training paddock.

And with the talented rugby league prospect’s jersey now retired, team coach Richardson said each time his side stepped onto the field they would play for his memory.

Murphy-Phillips was tragically killed in the early hours of Sunday morning, struck by a car on the Pacific Motorway (M1) near the intersection of Sexton Hill Dr.

The Gold Coast rugby community is mourning the death of Jarius Murphy-Phillips. Picture: Facebook.

Having played as a junior for both Bilambil and Cudgen, the young man who Richardson described as “a big solid boy who had hands like a five-eighth and feet like a fullback” left a lasting impression on the Northern Rivers community — both as a player and person.

It is what led the Raiders to still take on Bilambil that same day.

While they eventually went down 34-8 to the competition heavyweights, Richardson said the way they overcame their pain to be right in the contest come halftime was monumental.

“It was still so raw, and for the boys to turn up and play so well for Jarius it was a credit to them and speaks volumes to Jarius himself and the respect he had from his peers and the public in general,” Richardson said.

“We were in disbelief, but they all wanted to play and they said so through the tears and emotion running wild. Every single one of them turned up for the game and I couldn’t have been prouder of them. They did not stop trying, they knew what they were trying for that day.

“It’s hurting them, it’s really hurting them so we’ve got some counselling coming down to training. He was just a very, very gifted young man. His passion, he wanted to be really competitive for the Raiders this year and he rubbed off on the team straight away.

“We’ve retired his jersey now and it’s something we’ve got to live up to and play for him each week. I’m sure he’d be smiling down and watching the boys making sure they’re on their toes each game.”

When Murphy-Phillips first turned up to the Raiders, Richardson admits he did not know what to expect.

Rocking a white T-shirt, skinny jeans and a pair of Vans, the young utility went from simply wanting to meet the coach to training alongside his new teammates.

It did not take long for him to establish himself as a leader within the group; despite his tender years Richardson said every player went silent as Murphy-Phillips addressed them.

Richardson said while Murphy-Phillips originally took his place in the backrow for the Raiders, he planned on transitioning him into the halves, such was the natural ability he possessed.

He said anything he asked of the teenager he would do twice in an inspiring bid to ensure whatever he could offer the team he did so to the best of his ability.

“You couldn’t meet a nicer boy, it’s just a tragedy and I don’t know what else we can say. We have to put our thoughts and words into action now and do this year for Jarius,” Richardson said.

“He was very well mannered so it’s a credit to his family, and just a pleasure to coach the boy was. I couldn’t speak highly enough of him, he was in for a big year.

“He was a real motivator for the boys, when he spoke they listened. For a young boy he had leadership qualities and when someone young can speak and everyone goes quiet you know he had everyone’s respect.

“It’s going to take a lot of time to grieve, but we’re turning up each week and we know he’d want us to give our best.”

The Raiders will honour Murphy-Phillips on Sunday with a ceremony at 1pm prior to their clash with Ballina.

Clubs mourn loss of ‘magic’ talent

Earlier: Rugby league communities across the Northern Rivers have paid tribute to a young footballer who has tragically died.

Bilambil Jets and Cudgen Hornets junior Jarius Murphy-Phillips died too soon at the weekend, with his former clubs honouring the talent who could “create magic on a football field with his hands”.

He played round one of the senior football season with Tweed Coast Raiders, with the outfit publicly praising his influence in light of his death.

“On behalf of the Tweed Coast Raiders senior football club we would like to send our condolences to Jarius Murphy Phillips family and friends,” the club posted on Facebook.

“Jarius sadly passed away on the weekend. Jarius was a part of the raiders family for the season of 2022. He got to play round one for us last week and had a positive impact on the playing group. Rest In Peace.”

Murphy-Phillips’ former junior club, the Hornets, also paid tribute to the young man — both for what he brought to the field and what he meant to the community.

“On behalf of the Cudgen Headland JRL Executive Committee, Players, Volunteers and Families we wish to pay our respects to the Phillips and Murphy Families and their mobs on the heartbreaking loss of Jarius Murphy-Phillips,” the club said in a Facebook statement.

“Especially to his mum, Natasha and his Dad Damian. Jarius was a Cudgen Jnr from u7 to u15 and playing as a Raiders Snr in 2022. Jarius could create magic on a football field with his hands. He was a talented athlete with the biggest smile to match.

“You have retuned to the dreaming.”