Tributes for Far North rugby talent Cindy Quarry after her sudden death

The Far North rugby community has been left heartbroken by the sudden death of a “determined” and “passionate” young mum.

THE Far North rugby community has been left heartbroken by the death of a “determined” and “passionate” young mum.

Tributes have been flowing for mother-of-two Cindy Quarry, who is being remembered as a force to be reckoned with inside the FNQ rugby union and Cairns rugby league fraternities.

Former Cairns Northern Beaches Mudcrabs coach Gareth Williams said the news was “absolutely devastating” and the sporting codes had lost “such a talented player.”

Cindy Quarry (centre) with daughters Aerielle Hobbler (left) and Priya Deshong, who all played first grade for the Cairns Kangaroos rugby league club in 2021. Picture: Brendan Radke

“The passion, aggression and leadership Cindy brought to the team will never be matched and was a true inspiration to many of the women that played with and against her,” he said.

“My condolences to the Quarry family.”

The Mudcrabs paid an emotional farewell to “one of our own” on social media, triggering an outpouring of grief among those that knew the much-loved figure.

“It is with great sadness that our Mudcrabs family has learned of the death of one of our own,” a club spokesman said.

“Cindy Quarry … was a determined and passionate Mudcrabs player who will be sorely missed.

“Cindy was a leader on and off the field and our younger players will miss her encouragement and leadership this season.

“Your legacy will live on.”

Friend Tahlulah Tillett said Ms Quarry was “one of the most supportive and caring ladies I’ve met” while Dakota Collins was “missing you my sister.”

Ms Quarry famously ran out with her daughter, Priya, at the Mudcrabs in 2020 in a moment that will be cherished for years to come at the club.

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She went on to play first grade for the Cairns Kangaroos in the revamped Cairns District Rugby League women’s competition the following year alongside both her teenage daughters, Aerielle and Priya.

“It’s awesome, it’s such a big privilege to play alongside my two girls,” Ms Quarry said at the time.
“I’ve played all my life.

“Now it’s the three of us playing together. It’s that memorable – not many mums get to do this. I’m very privileged to be out there with them.”
Her daughters are recognised as two of the most talented in the competition and were in the Northern Pride’s under-19s last year.
Her legacy will now live on through them both.

Follow @markcmuzza

Originally published as Tributes for Far North rugby talent Cindy Quarry after her sudden death