On Saturday 21st February, Jacek “Yak” McLaurin, a rising young star with the Burleigh Bears, was playing in a trial match against the Tweed Seagulls when he was involved in a tackle that went tragically wrong. Jacek landed on his head and was airlifted to hospital, where he began fighting for his life.
It has since been confirmed that Jacek sustained a catastrophic, life-changing spinal injury, where he currently has no feeling from the shoulders down, including fractures to his C4 and C5 vertebrae. He has undergone two major surgeries and remains in hospital, facing a long and challenging road ahead.
Jacek’s rugby league journey began at a young age and has taken him across several clubs and regions, including:
• Shellharbour Stingrays RLFC (Illawarra Region / Group 7)
• Warilla Gorillas
• Wests Devils
• Brighton Roosters RLC
• Cudgen Hornets (Northern Rivers Rugby League, 2024)
• The Entrance Tigers (Newcastle Rugby League Competition, 2025)
Jacek recently signed with the Burleigh Bears, a feeder club to the Brisbane Broncos, for the 2026 season, a testament to his dedication and talent.
He has also made his mark in the Nines Premier League, originally playing for the Southern Sharks before founding his own team, Dawgs, who went on to win the 9PL Championship in just their second year.
Now is the time for the rugby league community to come together and rally behind Jacek and his family. Every donation, big or small, will go directly towards the care, treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing support Jacek will need as he begins the long journey ahead.
Message from The McLaurin Family
On behalf of our family, we would like to sincerely thank our community for the overwhelming love and support shown to Jacek and to all of us during this time. The army standing behind him is truly immense, and we are beyond grateful for every message, gesture, and act of kindness.
Many people have asked how they can help. As we enter the next stage of this journey, we know it will be the longest and most challenging yet. There is a long road ahead involving rehabilitation for Jacek, along with adjusting to day-to-day life as a family.
Any donation, no matter how small or large, will make a meaningful difference and will go a long way in supporting Jacek and our family on his road to recovery.
Jacek is the strongest person we know, and if anyone can get through this, it is him. He has built a community that loves and adores the man he is, and we are comforted knowing he is being backed every step of the way.
With all our love and gratitude,
The McLaurin Family