Illawarra footballer Jacek McLaurin remains in a stable but critical condition in a Brisbane hospital, four days after suffering a life-threatening injury during a QLD Cup trial match on the Gold Coast.
Doctors say McLaurin is not out of the woods, but the latest update has brought some reassurance to family, friends and teammates, with messages of support continuing to flood social media.
The former Shellharbour Stingrays and Group Seven standout, who had recently signed with the Burleigh Bears, was once tipped for a potential NRL future before the freak on-field incident.
Meanwhile, Queensland Rugby League has confirmed an independent judiciary review has been launched into the tackle that caused the injury.
The Match Review Panel says available footage did not allow for a specific charge, prompting the matter to be referred for further assessment.
Back home, the Illawarra community is rallying behind McLaurin, with a fundraiser planned in Shellharbour on March 7 to support him and his family during the long road ahead.
