Brisbane: Australia’s rugby league community is in mourning after the death of a player in the second-tier Queensland Cup on Monday.
James Ackerman, a forward for Sunshine Coast Falcons in Queensland’s top state league, was rushed to hospital on Saturday after suffering a serious injury in a tackle during a match in Brisbane.
Ackerman did not regain consciousness over the weekend, state media reported, and on Monday the state’s rugby league governing body announced his death at the age of 25.
“This is obviously a very difficult and traumatic time for a considerable amount of people - and we ask for the privacy of the family to be respected,” QRL managing director Robert Moore said in a statement.
“We want to thank all his former teammates and his former clubs for coming and seeing James ... your support has been overwhelming during this difficult time,” a family statement read.
“James loved the game of rugby league, he always played the game with his heart on his sleeve. We will miss you!”
The Queensland Rugby League said Ackerman had been treated immediately by the on-duty doctor and first-aid staff before being taken to hospital.
But his condition deteriorated, leaving the Sunshine Coast Falcons bereft of a “champion guy”, QRL chief executive Chris Flannery said.
He is survived by his wife and two young children.
The player who tackled Ackerman, Francis Molo, is contracted to the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League and is receiving counselling and support from his club and the QRL.
