THE Queensland rugby league fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of one of the Intrust Super Cup’s most talented players.

NRL counsellors flew to Brisbane yesterday as shattered Easts Tigers players and officials struggled to come to terms with the loss of Grant Giess, who died unexpectedly on Saturday following a night out with teammates.

Giess, a halfback, five-eighth or hooker, was one of Queensland’s finest second-tier players.

The 25-year-old played alongside future NRL stars Daly Cherry-Evans, Jack Reed and Matt Gillett at Wests Panthers in 2007-08.

Queensland police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Giess’ death.

The Queensland Rugby League was notified of Giess’ death about 6pm Saturday, prompting welfare-and-education officer Murray Hurst to report the tragedy to the National Rugby League.

Giess is the sixth rugby league player to die in the past two years.

Since February 2013, the code has lost Wests Tigers prop Mosese Fotuaika, Mackay Cutters’ Hayden Butler and Cowboys trio Alex Elisala, Regan Grieve and Francis Winterstein.

Just eight days ago, Giess played a starring role in the Tigers’ 50-6 defeat of Norths Devils in the Intrust Super Cup’s match-of-the-round, which was televised on Channel Nine.

media_camera Grant Giess. Picture: Richard Walker

Easts Tigers CEO Des Morris said yesterday the club was reeling at Giess’ shock death.

Tigers teammates learnt of Giess’ passing yesterday and will be offered counselling in coming days.

“It’s very sad,” Morris said.

“We can’t find a rhyme or reason for this. We need to give his family a bit of time to get their head around it and go from there.

“We don’t know what has happened. The police are doing their investigations, no-one knows what actually happened.

“I can’t understand it, I don’t know what would have caused it. Our best wishes are with his family.”

It is understood Giess had a night out with friends in Brisbane’s CBD on Friday night.

About 4am on Saturday, Giess contacted his fiancee from Brisbane’s Treasury Casino and the couple discussed him catching a taxi home.

When Giess did not arrive home, police were contacted.

Officers found Giess’ body on Saturday.

Giess had a brief stint with NRL side Melbourne in 2013.

If you or someone you know needs help call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Courier-Mail’s 2015 Queensland Journalist of the Year Leisa Scott’s poignant article on the tragedy affecting Queensland’s young sport stars. Read more ...

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