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Yamba honours memory of 15-year-old boy believed to be victim of murder-suicide

Yamba Buccaneers players took a minute's silence on Saturday for their former player Noah Smith. (ABC North Coast: Nick Parmeter)

A rugby union team in the Northern Rivers town of Yamba has remembered a 15-year-old local boy, Noah Smith, who is believed to have been a victim of a tragic murder-suicide.

A minute's silence was held at a Yamba Buccaneers Rugby Club game for their former clubmate.

Players also wore black armbands for the 15-year-old.

"We want Noah's family and friends and the broader community to know that we cared and do care about him, about them," Buccaneers life member Andrew Bennett said.

Mr Bennett, a former school principal in the area, said the day's focus was squarely on supporting those who knew Noah. 

"It's not about apportioning blame to anybody; it's about making sure that you turn to your friend or the person beside you and you see if they're OK."

Yamba Buccaneers life member Andrew Bennett says Yamba's rugby community is devastated by the tragedy. (ABC North Coast: Nick Parmeter)

A similar tribute was held last night for the Buccaneers' under-16s side, which Noah played with until 2019.

The bodies of 58-year-old Wayne Smith and his son Noah were found at a Yamba home on Thursday in a suspected murder-suicide. 

His death has left the small connected community in shock.

"They're gutted," Mr Bennett said. 

"Whenever a community loses a young person, or loses anybody, it's like ripples in a pond; who knows how far they go?"

Noah was remembered as a hardworking prop, and very coachable. 

Support services are being offered for former teammates and coaches at the club. 

Buccaneers players wore black armbands to remember their former clubmate. (ABC North Coast: Nick Parmeter)

"I don't say we understand their grief because we don't, but we can appreciate it, and remember to ask your friends, the person beside you, if they're OK," Mr Bennett said. 

"The focus is on Noah's family and his friends, let's leave it at that."

Wayne Smith had a gun licence, and police are examining his licensing history. 

Police investigations are continuing, with a report being prepared for the coroner. 

Noah has been remembered as a hardworking forward who was very coachable. (ABC North Coast: Nick Parmeter)
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