Canberra Raiders NRL young gun Jacob Iosefa in intensive care after motor vehicle accident

The NRL community has banded together after a rising star was placed in intensive care following a horrific car accident.

Jacob Iosefa remains in intensive care. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Rising Canberra centre Jacob Iosefa is fighting for life after a horror motor vehicle accident in the NSW Riverina on Monday night.

Iosefa, who plays in the club’s SG Ball side, remains in a coma inside Canberra Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit with a fractured neck and bleeding on the brain.

Doctors are attempting to stabilise Iosefa’s bleeding through sedation. There are fears he could develop a fever.

Initial scans indicate Iosefa may have avoided spinal damage but further diagnosis can only be confirmed when the player is brought from his induced coma.

Canberra played the Dolphins in Wagga Wagga last weekend. Coincidentally, Iosefa was also in Wagga visiting family.

The car accident occurred when Iosefa was driving home to Canberra for Raiders related business on Monday.

If you can, please get around our Jacob Iosefa by donating to his go fund me: https://t.co/sAen9g9j8Yhttps://t.co/wT1YUdvCQP

— Tim Gore (@GorskiOPork) May 2, 2023

It is understood Iosefa’s car clipped a truck while overtaking.

There isn’t any suggestion that alcohol was involved although the roads were slippery.

Iosefa was travelling alone.

Concerned Canberra officials have been visiting Iosefa in hospital.

A Raiders statement read: “The Canberra Raiders can confirm SG Ball player Jacob Iosefa remains in Canberra Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit, following a motor vehicle accident on Monday evening.

“The Raiders have been assisting Jacob and his family who have travelled from Wagga Wagga to be with him, as well as supporting teammates and school friends while Jacob is in hospital.

“Until there is more information, the Raiders will not be making further comment out of respect to his family. The club will continue to support Jacob and his family.”

Jacob Iosefa in action. Picture: Thomas Lisson.

Iosefa played predominantly in the centres during this season’s under 19s SG Ball competition and secured a two-year contract.

Canberra reached the finals before losing to eventual champions, Parramatta.

A GoFundMe page has been established by friends to help cover medical costs.

Family friend Bec Holland posted: “Jacob Iosefa was involved in a serious car accident on his way home to Canberra where he sustained life-threatening injuries and is currently fighting for life in Canberra Hospital.

“Jacob is a budding NRL player who has just signed a 2-year contract with the Canberra Raiders, this has been a long life dream of Jacobs. It’s going to be a long road to recovery for Jacob, all donations would be a huge help.”