Rugby league: Financial support pours in for young star's family after freak stroke

Christian Pese is on life support after suffering a stroke. Photo / Give A Little

The New Zealand Rugby League community have been left shocked and desperate to help after a young up-and-coming star was left fighting for his life.

Christian Pese, 18, suffered a stroke earlier this month while playing for the South Island in the NZRL National Under 20s tournament.

The Otago University law student remains on life support at Christchurch hospital - where most of his immediate family have travelled to from Auckland.

Family friend Cherie Whaanga set up a Give A Little page which has already raised more than $16,000 for the family.

The money is set to go towards travel expenses and costs for the family to remain by his side and help fly Pese's eldest brother, Caleb, over from Australia.

"Christian comes from a strong, loving and supportive family but he is fighting for his life right now down in Christchurch. His family is based in Auckland but have all travelled or are travelling to be by his side. Christian had only just set himself up down in Otago when this happened," the page description reads.

"His family is devastated, their eldest son Caleb is desperate to get home from Sydney and they all need to be able to be together again. It is now time to hope and pray for a miracle!

"Please help us lessen at least one burden for this family over this time. Christian we love you and you are a fighter! Arohanui to Korey, Joanne and all of your beautiful whānau."

C is for Christian ❤.

On March 14 Christian Pese suffered a stroke while playing in the National 20s and he continues to fight for his life in hospital.

A fundraiser has been set up to help his family with travel costs during this time.

Donate ➡ https://t.co/yAVIJfbfN0 pic.twitter.com/znCFiIyv4V

— Auckland Rugby League (@aucklandleague) March 21, 2021

While the NZRL were unable to provide an update on Pese's "ongoing condition," CEO Greg Peters said in a statement to the Herald they were "extremely saddened" to learn of the incident.

"It is being felt widely across our rugby league communities, who are all rallying behind Christian and his family during this time," Peters said.

"A givealittle page has been set up to support Christian and his whanau and NZRL and Southern Zone continue to provide immediate support for the Pese family during Christian's ongoing recovery.

"How the medical incident came about is still ongoing review and from what we know at this stage, was not play related. Out of respect for Christian and his family we are not in a position to provide any further comment on the status of his condition. Nevertheless, Christian's care and recovery is the number one priority.

"Christian is a promising and valued young rugby league player with so much ahead of him - we wish him a strong and speedy recovery."