The rugby league community has rallied together to offer its support to the family of James Ackerman, who died on Monday following an incident during an Intrust Super Cup match last weekend.
The Sunshine Coast Falcons forward was felled in a tackle by fringe Broncos forward Francis Molo during his side's match against North Devils on Saturday and never recovered.
A trust fund was established on Monday to offer support for Ackerman's young family and has reached five figures after a $10,000 donation from FOGS Queensland.
The social media campaign #putoutyourfooty has also been established to show support for the late 25-year-old.
Counselling has been offered for both teams involved in the abandoned Round 16 match, with the Falcons yet to name their team for this weekend's clash against Townsville Blackhawks.
It is not known whether the game will go ahead with funeral arrangements still to be decided.
In one final act of generosity, the man described as a "champion guy" and "one of our leaders" by Sunshine Coast Falcons CEO Chris Flannery has helped others by having his organs donated.
Meanwhile the QRL has referred Molo's tackle to the Match Review Committee, with a date to review the incident yet to be determined.
Molo is understandably upset by the event and hasn't been named for Norths or the Broncos this weekend.
Ackerman played 54 Intrust Super Cup matches for both the Falcons and Redcliffe Dolphins and is survived by parents Michael and Sonya Ackerman, brothers Andrew and Thomas, wife Saraa and children Olliver and Milly.
To donate to the Ackerman Family Trust Fund, direct deposits can be made through Bank of Queensland or transfers to:
James Ackerman Trust Fund
BSB: 124 001
Account No.: 11500777
Ref No.: 151 181
Further information can be found at www.scfalcons.com.au.
