The Northern Territory rugby league community has rallied around young Palmerston Raiders player Rosemary Rokobiau after she suffered a serious spinal cord compression injury during a junior match on the weekend.
Rokobiau, who plays in the club's U15 Girls team, was injured during a game at Raiders Park on Saturday.
St John Ambulance attended the scene following the injury before Rokobiau was later transferred interstate to Adelaide for specialist treatment.
She is expected to remain in South Australia for the next couple of months while undergoing recovery and rehabilitation.
Support for Rokobiau and her family has quickly grown across the Territory, with thousands of dollars already raised through a GoFundMe established by members of the Palmerston Raiders community.
The fundraiser was created by Marie Greenwood on behalf of the club to assist the family with mounting costs during Rosemary's recovery.
In information published on the fundraising page, Greenwood said the situation had placed enormous pressure on the family.
"Our Palmerston Raiders family is rallying behind one of our own, Rosemary Rokobiau, a strong and determined U15 player who recently suffered a serious spinal cord compression injury during a game on Saturday," Greenwood wrote.
The fundraiser explained that the family is also supporting another child receiving medical treatment in Darwin, creating further challenges as Rosemary's parents travel between the two cities.
"This means Rosemary's parents will need to travel back and forth between Adelaide and Darwin to care for both of their children during this incredibly difficult time," Greenwood wrote.
"While she continues to show incredible strength, this has been a life-changing moment for both Rosemary and her family.
"The financial pressure of flights, accommodation, food, and ongoing medical-related expenses will be significant."
According to the fundraiser, all money raised will go directly towards supporting the family with travel, accommodation, meals, transport and other ongoing expenses while Rosemary continues rehabilitation.
The wider rugby league community has also thrown its support behind the family, with multiple NRL NT clubs sharing the fundraiser and posting messages of encouragement on social media.
More than $15,000 was raised within the first two days after the fundraiser went live.
Rokobiau has become a highly respected member of the Palmerston Raiders junior program and currently serves as captain of the U15 Girls side.
The talented young player had already made a strong start to the season, scoring two tries across her opening three matches.
Palmerston Raiders said the club remained committed to supporting Rosemary and her family throughout the recovery process.
"Let's stand beside Rosemary and her family and show them the strength of the Raiders community," the GoFundMe page stated.
"Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support."
