Alex McKinnon stands after spinal injury

By News / Wire

14th January, 2015

Alex McKinnon continues to inspire the Newcastle Knights with coach Rick Stone revealing he stood up on his own for the first time since suffering a devastating spinal injury in an NRL game last March.

The former Knights forward has returned to Newcastle following rehabilitation in Sydney after suffering the injury in a tackle which left the 22-year-old in a wheelchair.

“He’s just finished in his rehab and he actually stood up unabated the other day … he stood up on his own which is a terrific sort of step for Alex,” Stone said.

McKinnon has spoken of his desire to fully recover and one day walk again, and last July the NRL’s Rise For Alex round raised over $1.4 million towards that goal.

McKinnon will take on an active role at Newcastle this year, working alongside Stone, Knights director of football Michael Hagan and high performance coach Troy Pezet in recruitment.

Stone said McKinnon would begin his new position at the club on January 27 and will probably spend one day a week in the commercial area as well.

“That’s going to be a great opportunity for Alex to get his teeth into something he really loves, footy,” he told Sky Sports Radio.

“He’s inspiring young men and everyone in the club will be really happy to see him back.”

The Crowd Says:

2015-01-17T10:49:19+00:00

Andrew

Guest

He's inspirational! I've have 2 brain injuries - titanium skull, epilepsy & Aspasia. He's a stronger Man than I...no joke. I can't wait when Alex walks down the isle the his misses.

2015-01-17T07:26:25+00:00

Professor Rosseforp

Guest

Thank you for the insider knowledge. I have a wheelie friend but have not heard this detail before.

2015-01-14T23:29:26+00:00

up in the north

Guest

Great achievement. Very pleased for him.

2015-01-14T13:58:48+00:00

Andy Sharpe

Roar Guru

Really happy to hear this - good luck Alex.

2015-01-14T13:26:31+00:00

Russell Johnson

Guest

Really great news!

2015-01-14T06:30:17+00:00

Jay C

Roar Guru

Thanks that was very helpful. I have got a couple friends with broken necks but they have pretty much full use of their bodies. Interesting stuff the human body. And awesome news for Alex too it should be said. Would be fantastic to see him lead a full life.

2015-01-14T05:41:27+00:00

Isaac Nowroozi

Roar Guru

#riseforalex #alexhasrisen

2015-01-14T04:39:58+00:00

Crispy

Guest

Top comment on a rival sports website: "he'll replace Watson at 3 in a couple of months". Too good not to share! Good luck with your recovery Alex.

2015-01-14T03:49:11+00:00

Crosscoder

Roar Guru

Sport takes a back seat,when we hear news such as this.This guy has shown outwardly tremendous courage ,warmth and determination to gte back on his feet again,.And judging by his efforts and the decency of the guy himself,lhe is well on his way tpo achieve for what appeared at onme stage the near impossible. The guy is an example to us all,keep it up champ you will make it.

2015-01-14T03:20:12+00:00

Muzz

Guest

Inspiring news. I read somewhere that his driving force and one of his main goals was to be able to walk down the aisle with his bride to be. All the best Alex.

2015-01-14T03:03:46+00:00

Tiger

Guest

Firstly depending on where your injury is sustained on your spinal cord, dictates what function you have..the higher the level the less function..usually! The reason that function returns is like you said the swelling comes down taking pressure off nerves that have not been damaged completely or not at all.. The nerves themselves do not repair..scar tissue forms when they have been 'cut' or 'crushed'. Also enabling more movement is if the muscles that can be used are strengthened..they can compensate for those that don't.. For example I have a well developed bicep (only one!) that allows me to lift my right arm better! Another interesting point is those who suffer broken necks seen to get more back.. Probably because the bones in the neck are not as thick so the impact does not have to be as great to break them..therefore spinal damage may be less. Whereas the lower part of the spine is fairly thick so it needs a big impact to break..thus the potential for more damage is greater.. Anyway I hope that helps..

2015-01-14T02:33:39+00:00

Jay C

Roar Guru

Well just like he couldn't move at all but now he can stand up. Is it a swelling issue putting pressure on the nerve and then the swelling goes away, or is it the body repairing/rewiring itself?

2015-01-14T02:27:54+00:00

Worlds Biggest

Guest

This is fantastic, well done Alex !

2015-01-14T02:24:31+00:00

Tiger

Guest

I have one..what do you want to know?

2015-01-14T02:20:22+00:00

Jay C

Roar Guru

I don't understand how spinal injuries work.