The heartbroken wife of a Gold Coast father who died after being critically injured during a rugby league match on the weekend has paid tribute to her husband.

Grant Cook, 28, died in Gold Coast University Hospital on Sunday night after suffering a cardiac arrest when he was tackled during a Northern Rivers Rugby League (NRRL) A-Grade preliminary final earlier that day.

A father of two, Mr Cook collapsed after being tackled while playing for the Murwillumbah Mustangs against the Casino Cougars in northern NSW.

Mr Cook’s wife Colleen used Facebook to pay tribute to her husband, saying he was now “an angel watching over us”.

“Life can be so cruel,” Ms Cook said.

“He has left a huge hole in my heart and I know all family, especially his parents, are hurting trying to understand this tragedy.

“You died doing something you loved so passionately, and I guess that’s how I have to look at it. You finally got to wear that number 6 jersey before the season was out too.”

Grant Cook in action in an earlier match. Photo: Facebook.

NRRL president Brian Rix, who knows the man’s family, said the incident had shocked the local rugby league community.

“It was just a normal game of rugby league that has turned into a tragic event,” he told AAP.

“We are just a little bit taken aback this morning, trying to sort ourselves out.”

In a brief statement, the Queensland Country Rugby League said they would be offering counselling to Mr Cook’s family and both teams who had participated in the match.

The match has been postponed until Tuesday, although a decision on whether to abandon the fixture is expected on Monday afternoon.