Australia rugby league player dies after tackle

A Murwillumbah Mustangs player collapsed during a game on Sunday against the Casino Cougars

A 28-year-old man has died in hospital after being tackled during an amateur rugby league game in rural Australia.

Officials attempted to resuscitate Grant Cook after he collapsed on the field on Sunday in Murwillumbah, in New South Wales.

The father-of-two was flown to Gold Coast University Hospital but died from his injuries overnight.

His wife, Colleen, said that Mr Cook's sudden death has "left a huge hole" in her heart.

"My beautiful husband Grant is now an angel watching over us" she wrote on Facebook.

"Life can be so cruel. He has left a huge hole in my heart and I know all family, especially his parents, are hurting trying to understand this tragedy."

Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

Mr Cook, from the Gold Coast, had been playing with the Murwillumbah Mustangs in a game against the Casino Cougars.

Northern Rivers Rugby League president Brian Rix told the Sydney Morning Herald that the incident had shocked the local rugby league community.

"It was just a normal game of rugby league that has turned into a tragic event," he said

"We are just a little bit taken aback this morning, trying to sort ourselves out."

Source: BBC