A rugby league player has died in Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital after a tackle during a game at Port Stephens on the weekend.
Key points:
- A rugby league player has died following an on-field tackle
- Local sport clubs remember the player as "one of the kindest souls"
- NSW Rugby League says it will provide support to those affected
The player, from Maitland's Aberglasslyn Ants, was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after the incident on Saturday.
An NSWRL spokesperson said he passed away on Sunday.
"The NSWRL expresses its deepest sympathy to the family of the Aberglasslyn Ants player who sadly passed away on Sunday afternoon," a spokesperson said.
"The NSWRL will ensure his family, teammates and local rugby league community have the full support they need.
"We ask that the media respect the family's privacy during this incredibly traumatic time."
Tributes flow
The local sporting community has paid tribute to the player on social media.
The Aberglasslyn Ants Rugby League Club said the player will be remembered as "one of the kindest souls."
"As the sun was setting over Mckeachies Oval yesterday afternoon, we remember you," a post on the club's facebook page read.
"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."
The club said it would not reveal the identity of the player while his family comes to terms with the "enormity of this loss."
Maitland's deputy mayor Mitchell Griffin also expressed his condolences on social media.
"My deepest condolences to his family and friends, and also all the players and members of the club," he commented.
"Such a difficult time."
The local AFL community was rocked by the deaths of five Singleton AFL Roosters players during a fatal bus crash in the Hunter Valley a week ago.