Rugby league player Joel Dark dies in hospital after horror incident

The cousin of Kangaroos captain Boyd Cordner, Joel Dark has died in hospital after a “horrible” incident played out in front of friends and family.

Joel Dark collapsed at a Newcastle rugby league game on Sunday.

Rugby league player Joel Dark has died in hospital five days after a horrific accident on the footy field.

The NSWRL and John Hunter Hospital on Friday both confirmed Dark died on Friday morning.

The 19-year-old suffered a serious head injury while he was making his first grade debut for Newcastle Central at St John Oval on Sunday and was rushed to the hospital for emergency brain surgery.

According to The Newcastle Herald, Dark had been in an induced coma after an operation to relieve pressure from swelling on his brain.

According to reports, the injury was so severe, Dark was seen having a seizure on the field.

A teammate, who is also a trained firefighter, performed CPR on Dark before paramedics arrived.

The NSWRL issued a statement to confirm the heartbreaking news.

“The NSW Rugby League is saddened to hear of the tragic passing today of Central Newcastle player Joel Dark,” the statement claimed.

“Joel, 19, had been in a critical condition in John Hunter Hospital since he collapsed on field during a Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League First Grade match against Western Suburbs at St John Oval on Sunday 6 September.

Boyd Cordner and Joel Dark with family.

“The family has requested that their privacy be respected during this very difficult time.

“They have expressed their gratitude to the Central Newcastle Rugby League Football Club, staff at the John Hunter Hospital and all those who have assisted and supported the family during this time.

“The Newcastle Rugby League has postponed all fixtures for this weekend out of respect for Joel and his family.

“The NSWRL and the Rugby League community extend their most sincere condolences to Joel’s family.”

Roosters star and Kangaroos captain Boyd Cordner was earlier this week given permission to leave the club’s biosecurity bubble to be with his cousin and family as Dark fought for life.

Cordner took to social media this week, describing Dark as: “One of the best blokes you will ever meet”.

Boyd Cordner reportedly returned to his club on Friday.

Cordner is reported to have returned to train with Roosters teammates on Friday before their Round 18 clash with Newcastle at the SCG on Saturday night.

Dark followed in Cordner’s foot steps throughout his junior rugby league career, playing for Cordner’s former club Taree Old Bar. He also went on to play in the Newcastle Knights’ U16s Harold Matthews team in 2016 alongside current Knights stars, including Bradman Best.

The Knights released a statement on Friday to announce the club has offered its support to Central Newcastle and its players.

Newcastle legend and football department boss Danny Buderus, said: “We are a club with a heavy heart at the news of Joel’s passing.

“The Dark family have many friends throughout our team and town, and we are standing alongside them today mourning this unimaginable loss.

“I know the family will get all the support they need from the tight knit community of Old Bar in the days and weeks ahead, along with the entire game as we unite in this tragic loss.”

Newcastle Central president Heath Anderson described the incident where Dark suffered the injury in front of family and friends watching on from the sideline as “horrible”.

Joel Dark.

“He had surgery late last night and surgery again today,” Anderson told smh.com.au on Monday.

“The good thing about Joel is he is a tough kid from the bush and he’s good a lot of people around him.”

The club said in a statement posted to its Facebook page on Sunday that counselling and support would be offered to all spectators that witnessed the incident.

The match between Newcastle Central and Western Suburbs was abandoned following the incident 15 minutes into the second half with Wests in front 10-6.

The Newcastle Rugby League has also announced this weekend’s fixtures have been postponed.

During Saturday’s NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights at the SCG, players and spectators paid tribute to Dark with a minute’s silence before kick-off.

Cordner was visibly emotional during the moment of reflection, fighting back tears.

The Roosters captain immediately made his mark during the round 18 encounter, setting up Sydney’s opening try in the third minute with a try assist.

Boyd Cordner before Saturday’s match against the Newcastle Knights.

A GoFundMe page was established earlier this week to support Dark’s friends and family during this time.