FORMER Keighley Cougars full-back and Betfred Championship stalwart Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e is recovering after suffering a heart attack over the festive period.
The Samoan international is only 39, and is still plying his trade for the Sheffield Eagles in the second tier, but it remains to be seen what his future holds after this health scare.
Sheffield informed fans about Laulu-Togaga’e condition on social media, which led to an outpouring of support for the man affectionately known throughout rugby league as ‘QLT’.
The Eagles wrote yesterday: “Over the Christmas break, QLT suffered a heart attack following a training session away from the club.
“Q has received excellent medical care and we are pleased to say that doctors were able to successfully sort the problem.
“He is now on the road to recovery and is as positive and cheeky as ever.”
The club added: “Our medical staff will continue to do whatever is required to assist Q at this time.
“We are sure all our fans and the rugby league community join us in wishing Q a speedy recovery and we looking forward to seeing him back at The OLP (Olympic Legacy Park) soon.”
Laulu-Togaga’e joined Cougars from Newcastle Thunder on a two-year deal ahead of the 2021 season, having previously turned out for Sheffield, Toronto Wolfpack and Halifax Panthers.
His only Super League experience came in a brief spell with Castleford Tigers in 2018, where he scored six tries in nine games, but it is his sterling work over the last decade or so in the Championship for which he is best known.
QLT’s move to Newcastle in July 2019 marked his first move down into the third tier, and he showed he was at a class above that level when at both Newcastle and Keighley.
Having scored six tries in nine games at Newcastle, he was a key part of the Cougars side that reached the 2021 play-offs, then was a member of their ‘Invincibles’ squad, who won the 2022 League 1 title without losing a game.
Having joined Sheffield for a spell on loan during the middle of that 2022 campaign, he signed for the Eagles at the end of the season, where he continues to play heading into his 40th year.
He issued an update on his condition via Instagram, from his hospital bed at Leeds General Infirmary.
That can be viewed below:
QLT’s son, Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e, played alongside his dad for Cougars during the 2021 season, with the 20-year-old now at Super League side Hull Kingston Rovers.
PLT returned to Keighley for a brief loan spell back in 2023, where he faced his dad in Cougars’ 46-18 home defeat to Sheffield back in May.
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