A composed Mr Daley delivered a touching eulogy for his father, well-known former Junee resident Lance Daley, in front of more than 600 people at St Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Highlighting his dedication to his family, in particular his devoted wife Frances and seven daughters Jacqueline, Margaret, Catherine, Delwyn, Joanne, Roslyn and Julie, Daly said: “Dad was the fourth child in a family of 10.

“Dad believed in family, he loved his brothers and sisters.

“He had a special relationship with all his daughters as only a father can.

“When I came along I was the apple of his eye.”

Mr Daley declared his father could be labelled nothing else than the “original ideas man” with his ability to find a solution to any problem.

Laurie admitted contending with the “tears, tantrums and teenage years” of seven daughters ensured, as the only son, his father allowed him to “get away with murder”.

Mr Daley and his father had a very close and loving relationship, strengthened by their bond over rugby league.

At every chance, when his work commitments as a train driver permitted, the late Mr Daley was in the grandstand or on the sideline supporting his son in his rugby league endeavours.