Former Newcastle Knights and Catalans Dragons midfielder Scott Dureau has died aged 39 after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. The former rugby league star had been battling the disease for more than a decade after doctors first discovered a tumor behind his eye in 2013.Dureau was admired not only for his performances on the field, but also for the resilience he showed during his health battle. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and receiving devastating medical updates over the years, I continued to fight with determination. His death marks a heartbreaking loss for the sport and for all who knew him.
Scott Dureau remembered as Rugby League pays tribute
Scott Dureau began his professional rugby league career with the Newcastle Knights, where he played 42 NRL games between 2007 and 2010. The Taree-born playmaker later joined Dragons Catalans in the Super League, becoming one of the club’s most influential players. Between 2011 and 2015, he made 97 appearances and established himself as the team’s first-choice midfielder.His performances have gained great recognition. Dureau was named in the Super League Dream Team in 2011 and 2012. He also represented the Exiles, a side made up of the best overseas players who compete in England, appearing in two annual matches against England.In 2013, Dureau’s career took an unexpected turn when doctors discovered a tumor behind his eye. I had surgery to remove it and worked hard to get back on the field. However, failing health forced him to retire from professional rugby league at the end of the 2015 season.His battle did not end there. In 2018, the tumor returned and he needed another operation. Doctors later found that the cancer had spread to his liver, and he was given only 18 months to live. Despite the grim prognosis, Dureau continued the treatment. He was later released, giving hope to his family and supporters.Unfortunately, the disease returned once again in January 2023. Medical examinations revealed five new brain tumors. This led to another major surgery. Dureau continued to fight the disease with remarkable courage before he died this week.After her retirement from playing, Dureau became involved in rugby league. I have joined the Newcastle Knights coaching staff and will work with the club until the end of the 2021 season, helping to develop the next generation of players.Catalans Dragons led the tributes after confirming his death. The club said that everyone connected with the team was very saddened by the loss of a player who had shown extraordinary bravery during his illness. The statement added that Dureau would be remembered not only for his achievements on the field, but also for his kindness, humility and the positive impact he had on those around him. The club also expressed its sincere sympathy to his wife, Libby, his daughters Imogen and Everly, and the rest of his family at this difficult time.