Overview
- The sudden death of Ryan Ghietti, which occurred Tuesday in Victoria, followed a reported medical episode while he was holidaying with friends.
- Ghietti was a long‑serving Northern Pride captain who set the club record with 165 Queensland Cup appearances and helped the Pride win the 2014 Queensland Cup and the NRL State Championship.
- He represented Italy in 12 Tests and played at the 2013 and 2017 Rugby League World Cups, giving his career an international dimension beyond regional rugby league.
- Northern Pride, former teammates and the North Queensland Cowboys have issued public tributes, and a GoFundMe established to support his family has raised roughly $82,000–$85,000 as reports varied.
- Ghietti leaves his wife Stacey and their children Grace and James, and his roles as a mentor, firefighter and community figure are central to how the Cairns and Innisfail communities are responding and planning support.