'Smiles on their faces every time you see them': Tributes flow for teens killed in crash

Joey Urban and Lochie Jacobs died on September 27 when the ute they were travelling in collided with a van on the Newell Highway at Tomingley, about 35km south of Dubbo.

Jacobs - a former border at St Stanislaus' College in Bathurst - played first grade for the Molong Bulls in 2024 after lining up for Cargo in the Woodbridge Cup one season prior.

Urban was an up and coming bull rider and previously played for the Cabonne Roos.

Bulls co-coach Ryan Banks said it was always a pleasure seeing the boys.

"Lochie was tough, one of the toughest boys. A great defender," he added.

"Joey was nearly at every single game, one of our number one supporters. Every single event, Joey and Lochie were there. We're going to miss them a lot, just having them around the community."

A Gofundme page was created on Sunday by Eve Seale on behalf of the boys' families.

In just 24 hours, $30,000 has been raised.

Mr Banks said this showed just how much they meant to the community.

"It shows exactly how much they were loved," he added.

"It was only created (Sunday) night and it's already so high. It shows how respected and how valued they were."

Friends and family took to social media in the days after their death to pay tribute as well.

"Never ever did I think you would leave this world so early. The boy with the biggest smile and affection that would lite [sic] up the room," one person said on Facebook about Jacobs

"Last night the world is loss [sic] beautiful young man," another wrote.

Mr Banks said the community was still reeling from the tragedy.

"Everyone is in a bit of shock and struggling a bit," he said.

"Just make sure that everyone has someone to talk to and reach out to. There's plenty of people to talk to. You have to stick by each other."

The driver of the ute was taken to hospital with leg injuries.

Police established a crime scene and have commenced inquiries into the crash.