Scott Dureau (1986 – 2026)

Their Story

Scott Dureau was an accomplished Australian rugby league player whose career was defined by both exceptional skill and remarkable resilience. Beginning with the Port Macquarie Sharks, Dureau made his Newcastle Knights debut in 2007, establishing himself as a goal-kicking halfback during his time in the NRL. However, it was his move to the Catalans Dragons in 2011 that brought him widespread recognition. Over five seasons with the French Super League club, Dureau became one of their most iconic overseas imports, earning selection in the Super League Dream Team in both 2011 and 2012 and receiving the prestigious Albert Goldthorpe Medal in 2012. Beyond his achievements on the field, Dureau demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of adversity. In 2013, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery, yet returned to play professionally before retiring at the end of 2015. Subsequently joining Newcastle's coaching staff, Dureau's battle with cancer continued off the field. When the disease returned in 2018 with spread to his liver, he was told he had just 18 months to live. Yet he persevered, even through further diagnoses in 2023 requiring removal of five new tumors. Dureau was remembered by the Catalans Dragons not only as an exceptional player with outstanding game intelligence and vision, but as a man of humility and kindness cherished by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Libby and daughters Imogen and Everly.

Sources

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Dureau