The NRL unveiled plans on Wednesday to provide a job for life for Newcastle player Alex McKinnon as part of a five-point plan to support him during his recovery from severe spinal injuries.
The Knights’ forward revealed over the weekend he was getting more movement in his arms and had feeling in his legs four weeks after suffering his injuries in a tackle.
A special foundation will be set up to raise funds for McKinnon, starting with a “Rise for Alex” round 19 of the premiership from July 18 with a range of family activities and promotions.
CEO Dave Smith said the NRL and the Knights were determined to stick by Alex and that commitment included a job in the game for as long as Alex wished.
Smith said setting a career path for Alex was part of a package of measures to provide him with financial and career assistance over the long term.
“The best sight of the season was Alex turning up to ANZ Stadium to watch his mates play for the Knights last weekend.
“His spirit and determination are an inspiration for all of us.
“The NRL would be honoured if Alex wanted to channel that spirit into a career in our game and the offer is on the table for life.”
The NRL will work with the Knights, the Rugby League Players’ Association, Men of League and other members of the league family to find a job which Alex is keen to pursue.
“The NRL will dedicate funds to a research project associated with spinal injury,” Smith said.
Smith said the NRL would work with Newcastle, other clubs and broadcast partners on the Rise for Alex round events in coming weeks.
Options include holding two concerts (one in Sydney and the other in Newcastle), games and activities for families at selected matches, junior football fundraising activities and auctions. It is also possible that a telethon will be held to raise funds.
Smith said the NRL was also looking at establishing a game-wide foundation to provide financial assistance to players severely and permanently injured in rugby league.
“It is clear, on those rare occasions when there is a serious injury in our game, that the fans and supporters want to do their bit to help out,” he said.
“We want to explore all avenues to do this and it all starts with Alex.”
McKinnon expects to remain in hospital for two more months before transferring to a rehabilitation centre to continue his recovery.
In further good news around McKinnon, the Knights announced they would be renewing his contract beyond October 31 this year.
Full release here:
“The Newcastle Knights today announced it would extend Alex McKinnon’s player contract beyond 31 October this year.
The Club and McKinnon were in the midst of finalising a contract extension prior to the young forward’s injury in round three.
CEO Matt Gidley said the Knights would honour its contract offer, with McKinnon guaranteed employment at the club. The details of his employment will be discussed with McKinnon when he is ready.
“Alex is a wonderful talent on the field and a better Clubman off the field,” Gidley said.
“While we remain hopeful Alex will make a full recovery, we are pleased to extend his contract at the Newcastle Knights because there is no doubt he’ll be a valuable employee.”
The NRL also announced today Alex would be offered a job for life, which will take effect once his Newcastle agreement is completed.
“I appreciate both the Knights and NRL’s support at this time,” McKinnon said.
“As I have said before, I am completely overwhelmed by all of the support I have received and to now have my future secured by the game, is really humbling.”
NRL CEO Dave Smith applauded the Club for honouring McKinnon’s new contract.
“Alex remains an inspiration for the game and for the rest of the team so this is a sound decision,” he said.
“His contract will be exempt from the salary cap and I think everyone will be delighted to have him in our game while he recovers.”
In addition to McKinnon’s job for life, the NRL has plans for a fundraising ‘Rise for Alex’ round, with details as follows:
· A Foundation will be set up to raise funds for Alex to help him through his recovery.
· There will be a “Rise for Alex” round of the Telstra Premiership (Round 19 which begins on 18 July).
· It promises to be one of the biggest rounds the NRL has ever seen with a range of family activities and promotions to raise funds for Alex’s Foundation.
· The fundraising round has the backing of the NRL’s broadcast partners – Nine Network, FOX Sports, 2GB and Triple M.
· The NRL will dedicate funds to a research project associated with spinal injury.”
With AAP
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