Sydney - The Australian Rugby League players will wear black armbands at Sunday's World Cup match against New Zealand as a mark of respect for the uncle of Johnathan Thurston, who died after being assaulted in a Brisbane park on Saturday.

Rugby league player Thurston's uncle, 38-year-old Richard Saunders, was one of three persons attacked at Ewing Park in Brisbane's southern suburb of Woodridge on Saturday, reports Australian Associated Press news agency.

According to Queensland Police, the three men were attacked unprovoked and sustained serious head injuries. They were taken to hospital in an ambulance, but Saunders died a short time later and the other two men are in a serious condition. The Queensland Police is treating Saunders' death as suspicious, the agency reported.

A statement issued by the Australian Rugby League (ARL) said, "The Australian Rugby League wish to pass on their condolences to Johnathan Thurston's family following news of the tragic death of his uncle, Mr Richard Saunders, in Brisbane."

"At this stage, Johnathan has not withdrawn from the team to play New Zealand tomorrow (Sunday). The VB Kangaroos will wear black armbands as a mark of respect tomorrow (Sunday) night", the statement said.

Thurston's agent Sam Ayoub told Herald Sun, "Obviously everyone is devastated, they're a very close-knit family who have all taken the news very hard. The family would like to request a little bit of privacy if possible in what is obviously a very tough time."

Australia will play a pool match against New Zealand at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday. (dpa)