Ryan Ghietti, rugby league star, dies aged 37
Northern Pride's most-capped player and former Italy international Ryan Ghietti has died unexpectedly at 37.
Ryan Ghietti, a rugby league player from Far North Queensland, has died aged 37. The Innisfail-born halfback played 165 matches for Northern Pride, a Queensland Cup club in Cairns, holding the record for most appearances.
Ghietti was captain from 2016 and part of the premiership-winning team in 2014. Ghietti represented Italy between 2011 and 2016, and played in their World Cup squads in 2013 and 2017.
He kicked the field goal that sealed Italy's qualification for their first World Cup in 2013. He leaves behind his wife Stacey and two children, Grace and James.
Northern Pride said his absence from the club would be deeply felt. A fundraising page has raised nearly $80,000 for his family.
- 165 for Northern Pride
- Club appearances
- 37
- Age at death
- 2011-2016
- Italy career span
- nearly $80,000
- Fundraising total
Why it mattersGhietti was a cornerstone of Northern Pride's recent success, making his unexpected death a significant loss to regional sport.
AustraliaFor Far North Queensland, Ghietti's death removes a local sporting figure who represented both Innisfail and Australia's regional rugby league community on the international stage.
