30 Apr 2013

Sport: Rugby League Samoa sends condolences to family of Alex Elisala

10:24 am on 30 April 2013

Rugby League Samoa has expressed its condolences to the family of Alex Elisala, who died yesterday after his life support was switched off.

Radio New Zealand International understands the North Queensland Cowboys representative was involved in a road accident on Saturday evening, hours after he scored a try for the Mackay Cutters in the Queensland Cup competition.

The 20 year old made his test debut for Samoa against Tonga earlier this month in Sydney and the President of Rugby League Samoa, Tagaloa Faafouina Su'a says he will be greatly missed.

"Great to meet him a few weeks ago during the camp against the Tongan test. It's so sad and our condolences go out to his family and also to the Cowboys rugby league club, and friends and everyone, who has been involved in this time of sorrow and this time of suffering. The Samoan saying translated as 'we slip in peace and joy but death comes to destroy' and I think that's exactly what happened. At this stage it's still trying to sink in the tragedy and hoping whatever plans Rugby League Samoa and our churches in Australia like to do something to support the family and the fans."