Australian rugby league player dies

James Ackerman, a prop with the Sunshine Coast Falcons, failed to recover from a head injury sustained in a Queensland Cup match on Saturday and died at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.

The incident occurred early in the first half of the second-tier fixture between the Falcons and the Norths Devils.

"We send our deepest condolences to James' family and friends, and the Sunshine Coast club," Queensland Rugby League managing director Robert Moore said in a statement.

"Our immediate priority is to provide support for the family as well as the players, coaches and referees who were involved in this game."

Ackerman's family also released a statement, paying tribute to those who attempted to save the 25-year-old's life.

"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," the statement read.

"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!"