A YOUNG Huddersfield Giants star is fighting for his life in hospital after being badly injured during a game.
Ronan Costello, 18, was hurt during a match against Salford City Reds at the Dram Centre in Rawthorpe on Saturday.
Ronan, a talented centre or back-row forward, was playing for Huddersfield Giants Academy Under-19s when he suffered a critical injury. The game was immediately abandoned.
It is thought Ronan damaged his head or neck in what was believed to be a routine challenge. He was said to be in a “critical” condition at Leeds General Infirmary.
The injury cast a shadow over the Giants’ Super League clash with Wakefield Trinity at the John Smith’s Stadium yesterday with players and fans alike desperate for news.
After the Giants’ 10-2 defeat, coach Paul Anderson said: “All that is important is Ronan getting back to health. All our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”
Ronan joined the Giants last year after successful spells at Brighouse Rangers and Lindley Swifts. In 2012 he scored 11 tries in one game for Lindley against Doncaster Toll Bar.
A spokesman for Huddersfield Giants said: “All messages of support will be passed on at the appropriate time and the player is currently receiving treatment in the Leeds General Infirmary.”
The club tweeted later: “Huddersfield Giants Academy player Ronan Costello remains in a critical condition in Leeds General Infirmary.
“The club respectfully asks that all supporters respect the wish for privacy and sensitivity for the family at such a difficult time.”
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Salford also released a statement wishing Ronan well. It read: “Salford Red Devils U19s game at Huddersfield Giants was abandoned after a serious injury to the Giants’ Ronan Costello.
“Huddersfield have asked that the privacy of Ronan’s family is respected at such a sensitive time.
“It goes without saying that the thoughts of the Salford Red Devils club are with Ronan and his family.”
Players at both Huddersfield and Salford are to be offered counselling by the sport’s charity Rugby League Cares.
Giants’ star Michael Lawrence said the whole club had been impacted by what happened.
He said the players had been kept informed before and after yesterday’s game.
He added: “The senior players all knew Ronan well having spent time training with the club’s Academy juniors. We are all gutted about what’s happened and all our thoughts are with the family. It’s a tough time for everyone but those closest to him will be feeling it really hard.”
Rugby league players, fans and friends posted messages of support on social media for the
Leeds Rhinos second row forward Brett Ferres – a former Giants player – added: “Keep fighting Ronan Costello.
“Just shows the dangers of our great sport. RL family will be right behind you.”
Warrington Wolves second row Jack Hughes tweeted: “Speedy recovery to Ronan Costello.”
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