Emotional Sydney Roosters NRL star Victor Radley and his 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 on Bondi Junction’s Westfield in Sydney’s east on Saturday afternoon.
He killed five women and one man, and seriously injured twelve others, including a nine-month-old baby.
NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott responded by fatally shooting Cauchi, stopping the attack.
The victims included Dawn Singleton, daughter of entrepreneur John Singleton.
Roosters player Victor Radley said his partner Taylah Cratchley and son Vinnie Cash Radley were at Bondi Junction Westfield the day before the fatal stabbings
The Sydney Roosters have a strong bond with Bondi Junction and Nat Butcher (pictured) has also reached out to fans who may be struggling with the horrific scenes
News of the massacre had a major impact on the team, whose league club is based in Bondi Junction, with their home ground and facilities close to Moore Park.
Asked about the events, Roosters premiership player Victor Radley was left speechless, choking back tears as he spoke about the emotional impact the incident has had on the city and its residents.
“Yes, terrible, I feel so sad for all the families involved,” he said.
“In Bondi, my wife and baby were there the day before.
“It’s just so terrible, it’s so sad for the families involved.
“I feel so sorry for them.”
Radley’s teammate Nat Butcher also spoke of the profound impact the Westfield Bondi stabbings had on the players and their families who have deep ties to Bondi Junction.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the families of the victims,” he said.
“Bondi Junction is such the heart of the club and we’re all there a few times a week.
“Many of our partners and mothers, just as many people affected by this.
“It’s an absolute tragedy.”
The Sydney Roosters have also released a statement following the horrific attack.
“The past 24 hours have been some of the most difficult our community has ever experienced,” the team said.
“We are all shocked and devastated by the attack on Bondi Junction, where innocent people were killed and injured in a senseless act of violence.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the victims, their families and everyone affected. Our thoughts are with each of them.
“We thank the NSW Police, paramedics and other first responders who heroically put themselves in harm’s way to respond to the attack, and the retailers who sheltered those in harm’s way.”
Sydney’s AFL clubs also released brief statements about the tragedies on Saturday.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic event at Bondi Junction today and send our condolences and thoughts to all the affected families and the brave NSW emergency personnel,” Swans’ statement said.
“It’s been an incredibly tough day for many, stay strong Sydney.”
The Giants added: ‘The Giants extend their sincere condolences to the victims and families of today’s tragedy at Bondi Junction. We are thinking of all those affected and stand strong for our entire Sydney community.”
The tragedy has affected a host of Sydney personalities, including Weekend Sunrise host Matt Doran, who was unable to present the program on Sunday because he knew one of the victims of the Bondi Junction Westfield massacre.
Radio personality Kyle Sandilands also shocked listeners when he revealed one of his family members had been stabbed during the Westfield Bondi massacre.
The Roosters club has also encouraged supporters to seek help if they are struggling to cope with the tragedy.
“We will continue to feel the impact of yesterday’s horrific attack in our community for some time to come,” the statement continued.
“But even in our darkest hour there was light. Victims and members of the public acted heroically and risked their own lives to save others.
“They supported each other in their most terrifying moments and showed incredible bravery and courage.
“The coming days and months will be difficult, but we want you to know that our club is here to support you.”
Members of the public in Sydney leave memorials for the six victims of the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbing