On Friday, the Toowoomba Rugby League community lost a champion.
League identity Scott Kuhnemann passed away in hospital following a year-long battle with cancer.
He leaves behind his wife and three children.
The Wests Bulldogs junior was described by former team-mate Jason Denny as a genuine footballer and genuine bloke.
Rugby league has lost a great servant and many of us have lost a great friend.
Toowoomba Rugby League Chairman Brian Gilroy said Kuhnemann was not only a great player back in his day, but he was also a wonderful human being.
“He had a real connection with the Toowoomba Rugby League as he played for the Clydesdales, he coached the Clydesdales and returned to coach in the Junior Clydesdales program,” Gilroy said.
“He was an absolute champion and the epitome of everything that is good about rugby league and the League is extremely saddened by the news of his passing.
“Rugby league has lost a great servant and many of us have lost a great friend.”
For Acting Toowoomba Junior Rugby League President Brad Steer, Kuhnemann was a well-respected junior rugby league icon.
“Whether it was rugby league-related or a general discussion about life or school, he would always have time for our young men whom he was not only a coach too, but a mentor,” Steer reflected.
“He was a great friend to everyone.
"The one thing that stands out for me is that he was very giving of his time.”
Kuhnemann was respected and loved amongst his football comrades and made a tremendous contribution to both senior and junior rugby league in Toowoomba.
He was the type of guy that would give you his last dollar if you needed it.
Rugby league is one of the most beautiful sports in the world providing amazing moments to treasure and bringing communities together.
Kuhnemann was a major part of our rugby league journey in Toowoomba and will continued to be remembered that way.
Kuhnemann played his seniors at the Southern Suburbs Tigers and was part of the historic 1996 Toowoomba Clydesdales Queensland Cup victory over Redcliffe.
In his first Queensland Cup grand final, he kicked two crucial goals in their 8-6 triumph.
He also represented Toowoomba and South West as well as Queensland Country.
Kuhnemann also was a Queensland representative at a junior level.
Both the Toowoomba Rugby League and Toowoomba Junior Rugby League would like to extend their heartfelt condolences to his wife, three children, his parents Roy and Marie and the entire Kuhnemann family during this time.
The Toowoomba Rugby League community has rallied behind the Kuhnemann family over the past year and will continue to mourn his loss in the time ahead.
The funeral will be held at St Patrick’s Cathedral Toowoomba (Corner of James and Neil Street), commencing at 11am tomorrow (Thursday, June 8), followed by interment at the Garden of Remembrance at 1001 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St Andrew’s Oncology Unit with gift envelopes available at the Cathedral.
Perhaps the last word is best left to the Southern Suburbs Rugby League Football Club …
“Whoever created the word gentleman had Scott Kuhnemann in mind.”
Glowing tributes from the community are a testament to the man that was Scott Kuhnemann.
They include:
Lennie Currie: The word legend gets used and thrown around often. When it comes to this bloke the word legend doesn't go close to describing him.
Southern Suburbs Rugby League Football Club Toowoomba: He was a quality person who was loved by so many. Whoever created the word “gentleman” had Scott Kuhnemann in mind. He was so friendly, so helpful and, above all else, so respectful of others, and his parents Roy and Marie can take credit for that.
Neale O’Brien: His passion was always unquestionably strong for his club, his region and the game. His family are and still are an ornament to our game.
Richard Paix: Tributes to a great bloke, friend, husband and father. Our thoughts and prays go out to everyone that knew and has been involved with this legend. Your contributions to the young Tigers will never be forgotten.
John Kaarsberg: As a human being they didn't come much better ... a fierce competitor on the field and the first up to share a beer and a laugh after the game. My go-to Clydesdales interview during my days at Win TV ... and also had the chance to play alongside this Tigers legend. It's obvious how much Scotty touched the lives of those around him.
Paul Giuffrida: Rest in Peace Scotty, you were a great man, coach and mentor! Every junior Tiger looked up to you, I certainly did.
