Emotional Sydney Roosters NRL star Victor Radley and teammate Nat Butcher have expressed their shock and sadness following the horrific stabbings at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday.
Joel Cauchi, armed with a 30cm hunting knife, launched the sickening attack at Bondi Junction’s Westfield, in Sydney’s east, on Saturday afternoon.
He killed five women and one man and seriously injured 12 other people, including a nine-month-old baby.
New South Wales Police Inspector Amy Scott responded by fatally shooting Cauchi, stopping the attack.
Among the victims was Dawn Singleton, daughter of businessman John Singleton.
Roosters player Victor Radley said his teammate Taylah Cratchley and son Vinnie Cash Radley were at Bondi Junction Westfield the day before the fatal stabbings.
The Sydney Roosters have a strong connection to Bondi Junction and Nat Butcher (pictured) has also reached out to fans who might be struggling to deal with the horrific scenes.
News of the massacre deeply affected the team, whose league club is located in Bondi Junction, with its stadium and facilities nearby in Moore Park.
When asked about the events, Roosters senior player Victor Radley was left speechless and fighting back tears as he spoke of the emotional impact the incident has had on the town and its residents.
“Yes, horrible, I feel very sad for the families involved,” she said.
‘In Bondi, my wife and baby were there the day before.
‘It’s such a horrible thing, it’s very sad for the families involved.
‘I feel so sorry for them.’
Radley’s teammate Nat Butcher also spoke about the profound impact the Westfield Bondi stabbings had on the players and their families who have a deep connection to Bondi Junction.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” he said.
‘Bondi Junction is the heart of the club and we are all there a couple of times a week.
‘Many of our partners and mothers, many people who have been affected by this.
“It’s an absolute tragedy.”
The Sydney Roosters also issued a statement following the horrific attack.
“The last 24 hours have been some of the most difficult our community has ever faced,” the team said.
‘We are all shocked and devastated by the attack at Bondi Junction, where innocent people were killed and injured in a senseless act of violence.
‘Our deepest condolences to the victims, their families and all those affected. Our thoughts are with each of them.
“We are grateful to the NSW Police, paramedics and other first responders who heroically put themselves at risk in responding to the attack, and to the traders who provided shelter to those at risk.”
Sydney AFL clubs also released brief statements about the tragedies on Saturday.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic event that occurred today in Bondi Junction and send our condolences and thoughts to all the families affected and the brave staff of the New South Wales emergency service,” Swans’ statement read.
“It’s been an incredibly difficult day for many, stay strong Sydney.”
The Giants added: ‘The Giants extend their deepest condolences to the victims and families of today’s tragedy at Bondi Junction. “We are thinking of everyone affected and stand strong with our entire Sydney community.”
The tragedy has impacted a host of Sydney personalities, including Weekend Sunrise presenter Matt Doran, who was unable to host the show on Sunday because he knew one of the victims of the Bondi Junction Westfield massacre.
Radio host Kyle Sandilands also shocked listeners when he revealed that one of his family members was stabbed in the Westfield Bondi massacre.
The Roosters club has also encouraged its fans to seek help if they are dealing with the tragedy.
“We will feel the impact of yesterday’s horrendous attack in our community for some time,” the statement continued.
‘But even in our darkest hour, there was light. The victims and the public acted heroically, risking their own lives to save others.
‘They supported each other in their most terrifying moments, showing incredible bravery and courage.
“The days and months ahead will be difficult, but we want you to know that our club is here to support you.”
Members of the Sydney public leave memorials to the six victims of the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbing horror.