The heartbroken wife of a young Gold Coast father who died after being critically injured during a NSW rugby league match yesterday has paid tribute to her husband.
Grant Cook, 28, died in the Gold Coast University Hospital last night after suffering a cardiac arrest when he was tackled during a Northern Rivers Rugby League (NRRL) A-Grade preliminary final that afternoon.
The father-of-two collapsed after being tackled while playing for the Murwillumbah Mustangs against the Casino Cougars.
Mr Cook’s wife Colleen has paid tribute to her husband on Facebook, writing that he was “an angel watching over us”.
“Life can be so cruel,” she wrote.
“He has left a huge hole in my heart and I know all family, especially his parents, are hurting trying to understand this tragedy.
“You died doing something you loved so passionately, and I guess that’s how I have to look at it. You finally got to wear that number 6 jersey before the season was out too.”
NRRL president Brian Rix, who knows the man’s family, said the death 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.”
In a brief statement, the Queensland Country Rugby League said they will offer counselling to Mr Cook’s family and players from both the teams who had played.
The game has been postponed until Tuesday, although a decision on whether to abandon the fixture is expected this afternoon.
