by Our Sports Desk

Rugby League forward James Ackerman died in a hospital yesterday, two days after sustaining a head injury in a tackle while playing for the Sunshine Coast Falcons against Norths Devils in a second-tier Australian competition.

The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) confirmed Ackerman’s death and also released a statement on behalf of the 25-year-old’s family saying: “James loved the game of rugby league. He always played the game with his heart on his sleeve. We will miss you.”

Ackerman, a father of two, played 54 matches in the Intrust Super Cup, a second-tier competition to the National Rugby League. 

The Falcons forward was injured early in the game in northern Brisbane on Saturday and was treated immediately on the

field by a doctor before being taken to Royal Brisbane Hospital by ambulance.

“We send our deepest condolences to James’s family and friends and the Sunshine Coast club,” QRL managing director Robert Moore said. “This is obviously a very difficult and traumatic time.

“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 released a statement, in which he described Ackerman as a “champion guy” as well as “one of our leaders.”

He added: “He 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.”