A teenage rugby league player has been airlifted to a specialist Sydney hospital with suspected spinal injuries following an incident at a major Indigenous sporting carnival in the Illawarra.
Emergency Response at Ziems Park
The incident occurred on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at approximately 1pm at Ziems Park in Corrimal. NSW Ambulance paramedics were initially called to the scene to treat the adolescent female athlete.
Following an on-field assessment, the decision was made to call for the Toll Rescue helicopter due to the serious nature of the suspected spinal injury. The helicopter arrived at the park by 1:30pm to facilitate a rapid transfer to advanced medical care.
Carnival with a Cause Interrupted
The injury happened during the annual Battle of the Countries Rugby League carnival, a significant four-day event created to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention within Indigenous communities across Australia.
The carnival, in progress at the time, features 100 Aboriginal teams from throughout New South Wales. The first day of competition, when the incident occurred, was dedicated to junior age groups including under 10s, 12s, 14s, and 16s divisions.
Rapid Transfer for Specialist Care
The patient was stabilised by road ambulance paramedics before being transported via the Toll Rescue helicopter to Westmead Children's Hospital. The hospital is home to a leading paediatric trauma and spinal care unit, providing the highest level of specialised treatment for such injuries.
The exact circumstances and current condition of the teenage athlete have not been publicly disclosed by authorities, respecting patient privacy. The event organisers and local rugby league community are understood to be providing support.
This serious incident casts a shadow over an event dedicated to community wellbeing and positive health outcomes. The Battle of the Countries carnival aims to foster resilience and connection through sport, making the on-field injury a poignant reminder of the physical risks inherent in contact sports.
