Jul 21st, 2019

Jul 21st, 2019

Amidst the joy and laughter in the dressing room after South Sydney’s barnstorming late win over the Cowboys last Saturday night, Kyle Turner was a lonely figure.

Turner took the field with a heavy heart less than 48 hours after the death of his beloved grandfather Cecil Sulter in his home town on Coonabarabran.

“It was really tough for him but he thought dad would have wanted him to play,” Turner’s mum Leanne told Wide World of Sports.

“Kyle is a quiet kid and just wore a black arm band and wrote ‘Pop’ on his wristband as a tribute - his way of honouring his granddad.

“They were very close and the poor kid was devastated … it was nice that the boys could win the game in such great style.”

Kyle Turner takes a hit-up during the Rabbitohs' win over the Cowboys. (AAP)

Cec Sulter, 83, was a fine athlete is his day - a weightlifter who also served his country in the army.

He was Kyle’s biggest fan as the youngster fought setback after setback - a series of head knocks that threatened his career - several years ago.

“Dad was just so proud of Kyle and we are all hurting right now, but Souths have been great to him and he will be at the funeral this Friday,” Leanne said.