A man has died after sustaining an injury during a local rugby league match in New South Wales’ Hunter region.
The man was playing for Maitland-based Aberglasslyn Ants rugby league club in a match against Fingal Bayin Port Stephens on Saturday when he was tackled.
He was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition before he died on Sunday.
The man, aged in his 20s according to Newcastle radio station 2HD, has not been publicly named in respect of his family’s privacy.
Aberglasslyn RLFC shared a tribute to the player on Monday morning, revealing they would retire his jersey number for the rest of the 2023 season.
“As the sun was setting over Mckeachies Oval yesterday afternoon, we remember you,” the club posted on Facebook.
“As we lay to rest our #8 jerseys for the remainder of the season in your honour, we remember you as a friend, a brother, a father and simply one of the kindest souls in our club.
“At this stage, we will be protecting the identity of the player, whilst his family comes to terms with the enormity of this loss. We thank Tooheys Newcastle & Hunter Community Rugby League and the community for their ongoing support of our club, staff and players.”
A New South Wales Rugby League spokesperson expressed the organisation’s “deepest sympathy” for the family of the player.
“The NSWRL will ensure his family, teammates and local rugby league community have the full support they need,” they said.
“We ask that the media respect the family’s privacy during this incredibly traumatic time.”
Deputy Mayor of Maitland Mitchell Griffin shared his condolences on Facebook for the player.
“My thoughts go out to the family and friends for their loss at what would be a very difficult time. Also thinking of all the players and members of the Aberglasslyn RLFC.”
The club paid its respects to the ten lives lost in a devastating bus crash in the Hunter Valley region one week ago, holding minute’s silences before their matches over the weekend.
Local Aussie Rules club Singleton Roosters mourned at least seven of its members who died in the accident which occurred when 35 wedding guests were driven back to their accommodation following the reception at Wandin Estate in the Hunter Valley.