Eugene Hanna, a 30-year-old rugby league player from West Auckland, New Zealand, died Tuesday after sustaining an “unsurvivable” injury in his team's first game of the season.
"Eugene sustained an injury in the team's first game of the season against Te Atatu which was tragically unsurvivable," Hunt said.
Hanna was treated at the scene before being taken to Auckland Hospital, where he stayed for about two weeks before he died.
"Glenora Bears would like to extend its gratitude to the Te Atatu Roosters members who helped at the scene, the attending paramedics and Auckland Hospital for their care these last two weeks," Hunt said.
"We are deeply saddened that one of our rugby league whānau, Eugene Hanna of the Glenora Bears, has tragically passed away," the organization said.
The governing body said it has "rigorous head injury and concussion protocols in place" and urged any player who sustains a head injury to "seek the appropriate medical advice and treatment, and only return to play when advised and appropriate.”
"He was the biggest character, a brilliant player, but most importantly the kindest person," the club wrote. "He played football the way he played life—at full noise with all his heart."
The club affectionately referred to him as "The GOAT" and "the Mayor of Glen Eden," saying "his absence will be felt around the NZCFL, Riversdale, and West Auckland.”
"A player that had respect across the league for his hard running play style, but was a great character off the field that brought a lot of laughs and entertainment throughout the squad and league," the club wrote on Facebook. He wore jersey No. 36 for the Magpies.