IT WAS a horror day for Queensland rugby league, with one player left fighting for his life and another taken to hospital after collapsing on the field.

Medical staff worked on Sunshine Coast prop James Ackerman for 40 minutes at Nundah’s Bishop Park after he suffered a serious head injury in his Intrust Super Cup game against Norths Devils.

Witnesses described the scenes at Bishop Park as the worst they had seen on a football field.

Teammates feared the prop had died and a hush fell over the ground as attending paramedics fought for Ackerman to regain consciousness. The footballer remained in hospital last night.

The game was called off after just four minutes when Ackerman was felled in a tackle. Reports about the nature of the tackle differ.

Falcons coach Glen Dreger said Ackerman, 25, was much improved by the time he was taken from the field by ambulance.

media_camera Marmin Barba of the Ipswich Jets collapsed on the field yesterday. media_camera James Ackerman suffered a serious head injury in a game against Norths Devils yesterday.

“He is in the best care and has improved,” he said. “We are confident about the care he has and are hoping for the best.”

Norths coach Mark Gliddon said he was unsure of the nature of the tackle that left the Sunshine Coast Falcons prop unconscious.

“I’m just glad the game was called off because the safety of the player should always come first,” he said.

“I haven’t seen a replay of the tackle and because of that I can’t comment.”

GALLERY: Shocking sports injuries

TRAGEDIES: Freak occurrence or a much larger problem

While Ackerman was fighting for his life in Brisbane, Ipswich Jets star Marmin Barba, younger brother of Ben, collapsed on the field, sending a shock wave through players and spectators. Barba, 24, fell to the ground without contact late in the game against Central Capras.

He was taken to hospital and placed on an IV drip.

Last night it was thought Barba had been suffering dehydration, but there were concerns for his health as he had suffered cancer early in his career.

The Jets revealed Barba was out of danger last night.

“Good news as Marmin Barba is just badly dehydrated and recovering well,” a social media post from the club said.

The QRL said it would ensure the best care was provided for both Ackerman and Barba.