“He was due to finish his last round of chemo last Monday,’’ Bryson’s mum, Lisa Ruprecht explained yesterday.

“He would have been too weak to play this year, but he was aiming to comeback next season and he wanted to start training again as soon as he could to get ready.

Sadly, that didn’t occur. Bryson died on November 15 last year, aged 20. In May he was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma - a tumour in the cavity behind his left eye.

“He’d been training with us and played the trials before he was diagnosed,’’ Old Bar FC president Warren Steedman said.

“Bryson knew he wouldn’t be playing last season or this. But he was planning for 2014.’’

Bryson played premier league with the Barbarians as well as juniors and futsal with the Taree Wildcats. So the idea was hatched late last year by the Barbarians for the clubs to play each season for the Bryson Challacombe Perpetual Trophy. This will be the prize tomorrow, along with premier league points, when the clubs meet at the Trad Fields at Old Bar, although there could be a shift in venue if there’s a problem with the weather.

“We’ll play for the trophy at our home game each year against the Wildcats,’’ Mr Steedman continued.

Taree Wildcats president Mark Woodward said it is a fitting memorial for a young man who was popular with both clubs. Both were strongly represented at the Bryson Challenge, a highly successful fundraiser for Redkite, held in June this year at Club Taree. Redkite is a cancer charity that supports children and young people with cancer, as well as their families. There’ll be further fundraising activities tomorrow at the game for Redkite.

Lisa and other family members will be there for sure.

“It’ll bring back some sad memories,’’ Lisa said.

“But there’s no way we’ll miss it.’’

First grade will kick off at 3pm.