New Zealand-born rugby league player Alex Elisala has died in an Australian hospital, just days after playing his first test match for Samoa.
The 20-year-old was on life support in the Mackay Base Hospital in Queensland but it was switched off yesterday afternoon.
His NRL club, the North Queensland Cowboys, released the news last night. "He was undoubtedly one of the brightest young talents at the Cowboys," said chief executive Peter Jourdain.
"Alex was extremely well liked by everyone at the club and his jovial but dedicated presence in and away from football will be deeply missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Alex's family and his friends."
Elisala joined the club four years ago and excelled in his first year as a full-time member of the NRL squad.
