WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains images of a person who has died.
NRL player Troy Dargan has died in a motorcycle accident while holidaying in the Cook Islands.
Dargan played two NRL games, both for South Sydney in 2020, and had joined Canberra on a two-year contract for the upcoming season.
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The playmaker’s management Aria Sports Group confirmed the news via social media on Christmas Day.
Dargan, affectionately nicknamed “TJ’‘, was 26.
“On behalf of the Dargan family, it is with a heavy heart that we share the news of TJ’s tragic passing overnight,” a statement from Aria Sports Group read.
“He and his family were holidaying in the Cook Island (sic) where TJ was involved in a motorcycle accident.
“TJ will be greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Dargan was an Australian schoolboys and NSW under-20s representative, and while contracted at Parramatta he was named halfback in the 2016 Holden Cup Team of the Year.
He later joined Brisbane, playing for reserve grade affiliates Norths between 2018 and 2019, before reuniting with former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett at the Rabbitohs.
Dargan made his first-grade debut against the Sydney Roosters in the Rabbitohs’ first game after the NRL returned from a COVID-enforced hiatus in May 2020.
He partnered club legend Adam Reynolds in the halves twice while Cody Walker was suspended, but made way once the regular five-eighth returned in round five that season.
Dargan had signed with the Raiders this season after playing for Manly’s NSW Cup affiliate Blacktown Workers six times in the 2023 season.
He twice represented the Cook Islands at international level and scored two tries in a 38-16 defeat of the United States in late 2019.
The Parramatta Eels said they were “deeply saddened” to learn of Dargan’s death.
“Troy was an Eels junior who had a great connection to many of our junior players and staff,” the club said on social media.
And Queensland club Norths Devils RLFC said they were “devastated”.
“He was a much-loved member of the Norths family during his time with our club,” they said.
“Our condolences to his family and many friends. Rest In Peace.”
