Bali bombing: How Panthers star Isaah Yeo and Eels coach Trent Elkin’s sons keep uncles’ dreams alive

Panthers star Isaah Yeo’s uncle was among six Coogee Dolphins who never came home from Bali, as was Trent Elkin’s brother-in-law. The nephews are keeping the footy players’ dream alive.

Their uncles were among the six Coogee Dolphins players who never came home from Bali and the nephews are keeping the rugby league dream alive.

Penrith star Isaah Yeo and Parramatta-crazy brothers Beau, 10, and Jordi Elkin, 13, might be on different sides when it comes to NRL teams but they are united in remembering uncles Gerard Yeo, 20, and Dave Mavroudis, 28, who died together in the blast at the Sari Club.

The trio have met up at clashes of the two Western Sydney giants because the brothers’ dad, Trent Elkin, is the Eels’ head of performance. On grand final day, the brothers were proud as punch because they got to run onto the field as ball boys.

“They are the next generation to pass on their legacy and I know their uncles would have been watching over so proud,” mum Jane Elkin said.

Although Jordi and Beau were not born when the bombings happened, their uncle is very much part of the family’s day to day conversations and they know everything about him.

Penrith co-captain and Kangaroos rookie Isaah Yeo, whose uncle Gerard Yeo died in the Bali bombing, meets up with Parramatta-crazy brothers Beau Elkin, 10, and Jordi Elkin, 13, whose uncle Dave Mavroudis died alongside his Coogee Dolphins’ mates in the Sari Club.

“Trent has done an amazing job in ensuring the boys know everything about their uncle when I have found it too difficult to discuss. He takes them to the cemetery when I have found it too difficult, most of the time without me knowing.”

Eleven of the Coogee Dolphins arrived in Bali 20 years ago on October 12 to celebrate the end of their 2002 season. Only five returned after their first evening ended in the terrorist attacks that killed another 82 Australians.

Coogee Dolphins mates in Bali on the day they arrived, October 12, 2002. CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: The late Dave Mavroudis with glass in hand, the late Josh Iliffe with hat, Dean Kefford, who survived, the late Adam Howard and Daniel Mortensen, who survived.

The bodies of their teammates – Dave, Gerard, Clint Thompson, 29, Shane Foley, 33, Josh Iliffe, 28, and Adam Howard, 26 – were found next to each other together with two girls they were talking to when the bomb went off.

Most of the team were country boys who had traditionally gravitated towards the Dolphins, bonding over footy, a drink, a laugh and a sense of belonging. This year about 60 of Dave’s school friends and university mates from interstate and his hometown of Wagga Wagga plan to attend the annual memorial service at Coogee’s Dolphin Point on Wednesday morning.

Gerard’s parents Pat and Keir Yeo will be leading their family members heading to the memorial from Dubbo, where his brother Paul has been coach of the Dubbo CYMS Rugby League Football Club.

He had moved to Sydney to work in Paul’s plumbing business and play rugby league like his other brothers Paul, Simon and Justin and uncle Shaun Townsend.

David Mavroudis.

Gerard Yeo, aged 20.

Isaah was seven when Paul called home from Bali where he had gone to find Gerard after the bombing and said he was dead.

“A houseful of adults all in tears, Isaah remembers that,” Paul Yeo said.

He doesn’t know whether Isaah, currently overseas as a rookie co vice-captain of the Kangaroos, was inspired by Gerard but rugby league runs through the family. Paul’s son Joseph plays for the Roosters under-21 side.

Panthers’ star Isaah Yeo, whose uncle Gerard Yeo was one of the Coogee Dolphins killed in the Bali bombings of 2002. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Ms Elkin said even after 20 years, the hurt is as raw as when it happened.

“It’s still the last thing I think of at night and the first thing I think of when I wake. That trauma never ever leaves you,” she said.

She praised the Coogee Dolphins club which has become part of all the families hit by the bombing.

“All these years on they still stay connected – we are like family,” she said.

“Forever bonded by that tragic night and I know that no matter what happens in my life they’ll be there as they have been for other events that have occurred since Bali. In some way very blessed to have made so many amazing friendships from something so horrific.”

Originally published as Bali bombing: How Panthers star Isaah Yeo and Eels coach Trent Elkin’s sons keep uncles’ dreams alive