When Alex McKinnon suffered a spinal injury while playing for the Newcastle Knights, the league community held its breath. It was instantly clear that Alex had suffered a profound injury, and early reports verified the news was very grim.
The freakish injury was a career-ender that had come awfully close to being a life-ender. There seemed little chance he’d have much movement let alone walk again.
Regardless of the early prognosis, now there seems to be hope. How much movement he will have is uncertain but Alex has begun the long, slow process of rehabilitating his damaged body, and the rugby league community has rallied behind him.
Not only Newcastle league fans, but fans of rival NRL clubs, regional league teams, league supporters from overseas and even players from rival codes have joined in support for the inspirational young man.
Over Saturday and Sunday, the NRL and other league competitions joined in the #RiseForAlex weekend. Here are some of the social media shows of support.