Footy star Victor Radley reveals his partner and baby son were at Bondi Junction

Emotional Sydney Roosters NRL star Victor Radley and his teammate Nat Butcher have expressed their shock and sorrow 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 others, among them 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. 

The news of the massacre deeply affected the team, whose leagues club is situated in Bondi Junction, with their home ground and facilities nearby at Moore Park.

Asked about the events, Roosters premiership player Victor Radley was lost for words, choking back tears as he spoke of the emotional impact the incident has had on the city and its residents.

‘Yeah, horrible, I feel so sad for any families involved,’ he said.

‘In Bondi, my missus and baby were there the day before.

‘It’s just such a horrible thing, it is so sad for any families involved.

‘I feel so sorry for them.’

Radley’s teammate Nat Butcher also opened up on the deep impact the Westfield Bondi stabbings had on the players and their families who have a deep connection to Bondi Junction.

‘Our thoughts and our prayers are with the victims and the victims’ families,’ he said.

‘Bondi Junction is such a heart of the club and we’re all there a couple of times a week.

‘A lot of our partners and mums, just so many people that this has affected.

‘It’s an absolute tragedy.’

The Sydney Roosters have also issued a statement in the wake of the horrific attack. 

‘The past 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 heartfelt condolences go out to the victims, their families, and everyone who has been affected. Our thoughts are with each one of them.

‘We thank the NSW Police, paramedics, and other first responders who heroically put themselves at risk in responding to the attack, and the shopkeepers who provided shelter to those who were at risk.’

Sydney’s AFL clubs also released brief statements on the tragedies on Saturday.

‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic event at Bondi Junction today and are sending our condolences and thoughts to all the families affected and the brave NSW emergency service personnel,’ the Swans statement read.

‘It’s been an incredibly tough day for many, stay strong Sydney.’ 

The Giants added: ‘The Giants extend their heartfelt sympathies to the victims and families of the tragedy today at Bondi Junction. We’re thinking of all those affected and stand strong with our entire Sydney community.’

The tragedy has impacted a host of Sydney personalities, including Weekend Sunrise host Matt Doran who could not 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 as he revealed one of his family members was stabbed in the Westfield Bondi massacre. 

The Roosters club has also encouraged supporters to seek help if they are struggling with the tragedy.

‘We will feel the impact of yesterday’s horrendous attack across our community for some time,’ the statement continued.

‘But even in our darkest hour, there was light. Victims and members of 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.’