Rugby league player James Ackerman dies after on-field injuries

A rugby league player has died in hospital as a result of injuries he sustained during a Queensland Cup match at the weekend.

Sunshine Coast Falcons prop James Ackerman, 25, suffered a serious head injury in the early stages of the game against Norths Devils on Saturday and underwent lengthy treatment on the pitch before being taken to hospital in Brisbane. The match was subsequently abandoned.

The father of two failed to recover from his injuries, however, and Queensland Rugby League announced his death on Monday. QRL managing director Robert Moore said: "We send our deepest condolences to James' family and friends, and the Sunshine Coast club. "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.

"Our immediate priority is to provide support for the family as well as the players, coaches and referees who were involved in this game." Sunshine Coast Falcons chief executive Chris Flannery said James "lived for rugby league". "He was a tough competitor and a fine player who in many ways was the heart and soul of our team," he added.

Ackerman’s family also released a statement which read: “Firstly we would like to thank all the medical staff from Norths Devils/Sunshine Coast Falcons and the ambulance staff who attended to James on game day at Bishop Park. “We want to thank the tireless medical staff from Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, who kept us informed during the night. We are very grateful to the doctors and nurses from the hospital.

“All his former team-mates and his former clubs for coming and seeing James. Your support has been overwhelming during this difficult time. “James loved the game of rugby league, he always played the game with his heart on his sleeve. We will miss you!”

Ackerman is survived by his parents, two brothers, wife Saraa, and children Olliver and Milly.