Source : ABC NEWS
Queensland Rugby League (QRL) will review a trial-match tackle that left a player with a broken back.
Burleigh Bears outside back Jacek McLaurin was rushed to hospital after suffering a spinal injury during a trial game at Piggabeen Oval on Saturday.
McLaurin was treated by a doctor on site after the tackle, before being flown from the ground to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, where he remains in a critical condition.
The match between the Burleigh Bears and Tweed Seagulls was suspended after the incident during the second half of the match and was eventually called off.
Jacek McLaurin joined the Bears in the recent off-season and had previously played for other clubs in Queensland and NSW. (Supplied)
In a statement, a QRL spokesperson said the league would undertake a review and “continue to work with both clubs to ensure wellbeing services were offered to all members”.
Burleigh Bears CEO Damien Driscoll said he had visited McLaurin — originally from Wollongong, NSW — who had joined the club in the off-season.
“He made an impression straight away … he’s a popular player and enthusiastic personality,” Driscoll said.
“He’s in great care, obviously he has a tough road ahead.
“[Times like these are] quite raw, we’ll gather as a club tonight … there is support available and QRL have been a good support.”
In a post to social media, Jacek McLaurin’s brothers said he would require further surgeries and they remained hopeful his condition would improve. (Supplied)
