Wracked with grief, Johnathan Thurston responded the best way he knew how.
The rugby league genius donned his headgear and set about terrorising the Kiwis. Again.
He had a hand in three of the Kangaroos' five tries and kicked four goals from five. At fulltime he was in a familiar position, being interviewed for a man-of-the match award after their 30-6 win over the Kiwis in their World Cup opener.
Just over a day earlier, Thurston was taken aside before final training to be told his 38-year-old uncle, Richard Saunders, had been found bashed to death in a Brisbane park. Police are investigating.
"He's a tough kid. I left it to Johnathan in regards to the decision to play, and to be able to perform the way he did takes a lot of energy and a lot of ability," Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart said.
"I was concerned yesterday because he was in a pretty emotional state. He asked me not to change my mind. He wanted to play. It was a tough effort mentally for him."
Stuart read a prepared statement from the halfback, thanking his teammates for their support, and requesting some privacy.
Thurston will be given a break from the Kangaroos camp as they ready to face England in Melbourne next weekend, to spend time with his family as they prepare for the funeral.
Captain Darren Lockyer was equally as impressive on the field, and impressed by his Queensland mate's effort in playing through nightmarish circumstances.
"He's just a tough competitor so to put all that aside for 80 minutes and do what he did was a great effort," Lockyer said.
With Thurston and Lockyer running the show, fullback Billy Slater and centre Israel Folau giving the defence nightmares and a dominant forward pack, it's difficult to see the Kangaroos beaten this World Cup.
With still more improvement left in them, Stuart was adamant they wouldn't be letting up.
"I don't know how much improvement, but we're always vulnerable because we're always carrying the favourites' tag and there's always extra pressure. It's our mental space we've got to keep strong in.
"England and New Zealand have shown over the years they can get you at some stage. That's where we've got to be strong in the head to keep focusing and want to be better."
