James Ackerman’s parents reach out to son’s tackler Francis Molo following tragic death
THE parents of James Ackerman, who tragically died following a Brisbane rugby league match, have called their son’s tackler to console him.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE parents of James Ackerman, who tragically died following a Brisbane rugby league match, have called their son’s tackler Francis Molo to console him.
Ackerman, a father of two, died at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital on Monday, two days after he was knocked unconscious while playing for the Sunshine Coast in the Intrust Super Cup.
He was taken to hospital and put on life support but did not recover.
Molo, a Broncos prop who was playing for Norths Devils, was involved in the tackle and is a shattered man. He is likely to take several weeks off from rugby league as a result.
The 20-year-old is receiving counselling from the Broncos and welfare officers visited him on Monday afternoon.
TEAMMATE’S LETTER: ‘You were a man amongst men’
TRIBUTES FLOW: Social media reacts to the tragic news
Ackerman, 25, is survived by parents Michael and Sonya, brothers Andrew and Thomas, wife Saraa and children Olliver and Milly.
Ackerman’s parents were at Bishop Park when the incident happened.
It is understood his father on Monday summoned the courage, on the day his son died, to make sure Molo was OK.
“James loved the game of rugby league. He always played the game with his heart on his sleeve. We will miss you!” a family statement read.
Ackerman is the second rugby league player to die during a match in the past six weeks.
In May, Zane Purcell died in Ballina while playing for the Lower Clarence Magpies reserve grade side.
Molo, a gentle giant, is in a fragile state of mind.
He was helped significantly by the Falcons whose officials called him on Sunday night to say “we don’t blame you”.
Molo could still be charged by the QRL match review committee who have to formally review the incident.
Ackerman played 54 Intrust Super Cup matches, the majority for the Redcliffe Dolphins.
He moved back home to the Sunshine Coast this year to be closer to his family.
The Falcons will continue to train this week but may abandon their clash with Townsville on Sunday.
The NRL community rallied around Ackerman’s family with a minute’s silence in Monday night’s NRL clash between St George Illawarra and the Sydney Roosters.
“This is such a tragedy and we send our sympathies to everyone who knew and loved James,” NRL chief executive Dave Smith said.
“In particular, our hearts go out to James’ wife and children.”
Ackerman is a former Broncos contract holder who played in their National Youth Competition team in 2009 and 2010.
The Broncos and the Falcons’ NRL affiliate Melbourne Storm will host a fundraiser for the Ackerman family.
“The club offers the sincerest of condolences to the extended Ackerman family,” Brisbane’s chief executive Paul White said.
“We will look to support his club in their endeavours to provide whatever support is needed for James’ family.”
Originally published as James Ackerman’s parents reach out to son’s tackler Francis Molo following tragic death
Gus’ ‘doctored’ claim ignites NRL conspiracy
The NRL Grand Final’s controversial no try scandal has taken a wild turn despite the game releasing the angle the decision was based on.
Kangaroos selection shocks: NRL legends’ Test careers appear over
Mal Meninga has dropped a major selection bombshell by overlooking both James Tedesco and Kalyn Ponga for Kangaroos selection, with the list of surprise omissions and debutants not ending there. See the full squad.