Rugby league player Tory Brunning complained of ‘flu-like’ symptoms before sudden death

A promising rugby league player collapsed and died during halftime of his football game on Saturday after complaining of “flu-like” symptoms.

Tory Brunning, 22, was playing for the Dapto Canaries against Wests Devils in the Illawarra region of Sydney when he collapsed in the sheds during halftime.

He was scheduled to back-up for the first-grade clash at 3pm at Dapto Showground before falling ill and suddenly collapsing.

Brunning was treated by the team doctor of the opposition before paramedics arrived but he was unable to be revived.

His brother Mitchell Glackin ran to his aid.

"I was in shock, I didn't know what to say or even look at him," he said.

His adoptive mother Joanne Glackin said he was a "great kid".

"It has been just an absolute honour and pleasure to allow him to follow his dream," she said.

Best friend Patrick Tai said Brunning was "one of the best forwards I have ever played with".

The New Zealand-born Brunning was adopted by the Glackins nine years ago.

Brunning had been a promising junior player, selected in the Australian Combined High Schools team in 2011.