THE Port Macquarie-Hastings sporting community is mourning the sudden death of Ged Roods - Wauchope Blues Rugby League Football Club president and dedicated member of the Wauchope-Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club.
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He passed away at the weekend.
A former Wauchope High School student, Ged was a lovable and respected young man growing up in his small community.
He delivered newspapers for the Wauchope Gazette and kept himself busy with sport, namely rugby league and surf life saving where he dedicated most of his weekends.
Ged, 26, played a crucial role as club president for the last four seasons in re-establishing the Wauchope's dominance in the Group Three Rugby league competition.
He was a champion for the Blues across both junior and senior codes and celebrated a triumphant 2019, with first grade coach Anthony Boyd, in guiding their side to the Group Three grand final against the Macleay Valley Mustangs.
Off the field, Roods made a splash in the water as part of Wauchope-Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club's men's surfboat crew.
In March the crew narrowly missed out on a place in the finals at the NSW surf life saving championships at Blacksmiths Beach.
But, Roods was more than just a competitor.
He managed the surf club's champion U23 Boatettes crew who have proven to be a force in surf club competition across the state.
His father, the late Dan Roods, was also a respected member of both the surf and league clubs before his passing.
The tributes have flowed on social media for a young man who gave everything to his local community, his friends and his family.
Players and officials honoured his commitment to the Wauchope Blues and his determination to ensure the Blue and Red flag flew proudly.
"Ged Roods, one in a million, a true blue. We have lost a best mate, brother, son and someone who will be truly missed by every single person who knew him," the club wrote.
"Ged was the heart and soul of our Blues family and for the past four years as our president has held this club together and put his blood, sweat and tears into keeping the Wauchope Blues alive.
"We will miss you more than words and love you millions. Rest in Peace Ged - Blue and Red Forever."
Group Three Rugby League sent their love and support to Roods' family.
"Group Three Rugby League is saddened to hear of the passing of Wauchope Rugby League club president Ged Roods. We send our prayers and thoughts to his family, friends and the Wauchope Club."
Port Macquarie Sharks Rugby League Club and Kendall Blues tipped their hat to a friend.
"The Port Macquarie Sharks would like to send our condolences to the Roods family, Wauchope Blues, the Hastings community and Ged's friends.
"Ged is a friend of the Sharks and always made us feel welcome anytime we came in contact with him or the Wauchope Blues. A very liked and respected young man."
The Wauchope-Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club's U23 Boatettes shared their sadness at Ged's passing.
"Ged...how we wish we could go back to yesterday. We'd tell you how much our crew all love you, but we know you knew that," they wrote in a touching tribute.
"You were our manager, favourite super sub, body guard, brother. Our private comedian who always put up his hand to help us out. The one that held our boat on the line, more times than we can remember. We are going to miss you surfing the bow on a Sunday morning."
Businessman and owner of the Hastings Hotel in Wauchope, Alistair Flower, honoured Roods for his community spirit and leadership.
"One of the great community men and just an all round top bloke," Mr Flower wrote in a tribute online.
"When we bought the Hastings Pub, he really helped me out and got us into the community. As the president of the Wauchope Blues I was super impressed with his maturity and leadership of the club - for a bloke of his age. His willingness to contribute and 'help a mate' is to be inspired."
Ged Roods is the son of Karen and the late Danny Roods and much-loved grandson of Monica.
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