James Ackerman

[1910]

Former Bronco, Redcliffe and current Sunshine Coast player James Ackerman is still fighting and in the RBH after the incident on Saturday.

More will be known today.

Molo is receiving plenty of support and understandably emotional and upset at the tackle.

 

[morganmorgan]

Very very sad. Thoughts are with him and his family. Also with molo and his fam

 

[JoeldTrafford]

What's the story with this?

 

[Fozz]

What's the story with this?

Rugby league community rallies around seriously injured James Ackerman

 

[Sproj]

Molo did the tackle? The article didn't say much about what happened.

 

[1910]

Queensland’s rugby league community is mourning the loss of Sunshine Coast Falcons player James Ackerman, who passed away today.
Ackerman, 25, was playing for the Falcons against the Norths Devils at Bishop Park on Saturday when he was seriously injured. He was treated immediately by the on-duty doctor and qualified first-aid staff, before being transported to hospital.
QRL managing director Robert Moore said the league fraternity was in shock and would now focus on continuing the necessary support and counselling for all concerned.
“We send our deepest condolences to James’ family and friends, and the Sunshine Coast club,” Moore said.
“This is obviously a very difficult and traumatic time for a considerable amount of people – and we ask for the privacy of the family to be respected.
“Our immediate priority is to provide support for the family as well as the players, coaches and referees who were involved in this game.

“This process is already underway, with welfare staff employed by both the National Rugby League as well as NRL clubs Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm currently assisting their respective feeder teams.”

Moore said the NRL was committed to providing further assistance if required.
“One of the strengths of rugby league is the game’s ability to rally behind its own – and I have no doubt this will happen throughout this challenging period,” he said.
Ackerman played 54 Intrust Super Cup matches, the majority for the Redcliffe Dolphins.
Sunshine Coast Falcons chief executive officer Chris Flannery said James was a “champion guy” and “one of our leaders”.
“He lived for rugby league,” Flannery said.
“He was a tough competitor and a fine player who in many ways was the heart and soul of our team.
“James played for a number of seasons at Redcliffe but we were delighted to get him back this year as he was a Sunshine Coast boy who went to Mountain Creek High School.”
Statement from the Ackerman family:
Firstly we would like to thank all the medical staff from Norths Devils/Sunshine Coast Falcons and the ambulance staff who attended to James on game day at Bishop Park.
We want to thank the tireless medical staff from Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, who kept us informed during the night. We are very grateful to the doctors and nurses from the hospital.
All his former teammates and his former clubs for coming and seeing James. Your support has been overwhelming during this difficult time
James loved the game of rugby league, he always played the game with his heart on his sleeve. We will miss you!
Parents Michael and Sonya Ackerman, brothers Andrew and Thomas, wife Saraa and children Olliver and Milly.
· We ask all media to respect the privacy of the Ackerman family in their time of grief. Thank you.

 

[Morkel]

RIP

 

[GCBRONCO]

RIP and my best to his family absolutely tragic, really feel for Molo atm too

 

[noisetheory]

unbelievably sad.

 

[Sproj]

Wow!! Sports people get injured and then die these days. Its crazy! So sad. :(

 

[Kimlo]

Wow, that's an absolute tragedy :( RIP.

Seriously feel for Molo too, he must be in a world of hurt being involved in the incident. I really hope he has all the support he needs.

 

[Renegade]

rip

 

[Bucking Beads]

So unbelievable. Tragedy on the sports field is becoming an all to common thing. My thoughts are with the Ackerman family.

 

[theshed]

Absolute tragedy.

Was it caused from a Molo shoulder charge that contacted the head as early reports suggested? Can't imagine how he's feeling today

 

[Splinter]

Tragedy
I hope the QRL and NRL get behind the family and help emotionally and financially

 

[ivanhungryjak]

Terrible news. Hope those kids get all the support they need.

 

[jarro65]

So very sad.

R.I.P.

 

[Unbreakable]

Awful, RIP.

Sean Abbott set the precedent in regards to how you should handle this situation, I really hope Molo doesn't blame himself, accidents happen in sport that lead to major injuries or worse, as we've seen with Phil Hughes, Alex McKinnon and now James Ackerman.

Keep your head up Frank.