Friends and fans of Huddersfield Giants Academy player Ronan Costello have urged him to 'fight on' after his critical injury during a match on Saturday.

The 18-year-old, a player for the Under-19 side, is fighting for his life at Leeds General Infirmary after he was hurt during a match against Salford City Reds at the Dram Centre in Rawthorpe on Saturday.

It is thought Ronan sustained a serious head or neck injury in what was believed to be a routine challenge. He was said to be in a “critical” condition.

Rugby league fans and friends of Ronan have posted messages of support on social media, with thoughts and prayers for his family:

Peter Cramp: "Let's hope the lad pulls through... Good luck young man."

Gemma Snape: "Speedy recovery, everyone's behind you fuelling your fight X"

Darryl James Holdsworth: "Fight on young man... My heart is with you and your family."

Sharon Donaldson: "C'mon Ronan,pull through. Thoughts are with you to get well and my thoughts go to his family at this very difficult time."

Joel Otn Ramirez: "Thoughts with him, his family, friends and the poor lad that tackled him."

KarenHoward Linfoot: "To all you brilliant doctors and nurses at LGI . Please take care of Ronan for his family."

Rachel Fomiatti-Griff: "Keep fighting all our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong xx"

Liam Tindall: "Keep fighting buddy! Very talented lad! Thoughts with your family."

Joan Halstead: "Keep fighting and i hope you have a speedy recovery."

Ronan Costello (far right) with teammates
Ronan Costello (far right) with teammates

Josie Dundon: "Thoughts & prayers from Giants family!"

Rugby league clubs including Workington Town, West Hull ARLFC and Woolston Rovers have also tweeted messages of support.

The injury cast a shadow over the Giants’ Super League clash with Wakefield Trinity at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday with players and fans alike desperate for news.

After the Giants 10-2 defeat, coach Paul Anderson said: “All that is important is Ronan getting back to health. All our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”

Ronan joined the Giants last year after successful spells at Brighouse Rangers and Lindley Swifts. In 2012 he scored 11 tries in one game for Lindley against Doncaster Toll Bar.

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A spokesman for Huddersfield Giants said: “All messages of support will be passed on at the appropriate time and the player is currently receiving treatment in the Leeds General Infirmary.”

Players at both Huddersfield and Salford are to be offered counselling by the sport’s charity Rugby League Cares.