Australian Rugby League Player Dies After Tackle

Grant Cook, 28, was playing for Murwillumbah Mustangs against the Casino Cougars in the A-grade preliminary final when he was critically injured just before half-time in northern New South Wales. Cook was taken to hospital but died later as a result of injuries sustained in the tackle.

Police were reportedly called to the pitch where the player was lying on the field unconscious after a collision.

Cook’s wife Colleen posted a moving tribute to her husband, and father of their two children, on Facebook.

“My goodness. Where to start? And what’s the correct way to announce the passing of a husband, son, father, brother, uncle, cousin, teammate and friend so many of us loved,” she wrote.

“My beautiful husband Grant is now an angel watching over us. 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.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.