Alex McKinnon has been released from hospital for the first time since suffering a spinal injury in an NRL game in March.

The former Newcastle Knights forward on Friday wrote on social media of his elation at leaving the Royal Rehabilitation Centre in Sydney.

“Well this concludes 7 months of inpatient rehab Yew! Finally out & finally back with Teigan,” he wrote.

“We would love to thank all the staff at Royal Rehab you’ve been unreal.

“Improvement is slow but excited to start my new stage of rehab, a change in environment but the same goals.” McKinnon posted the message beside a photo of him and his fiancee Teigan Power outside the medical facility.

The 22-year-old suffered the injury in a tackle against Melbourne at AAMI Park in March.

In July, the NRL’s Rise For Alex round raised over $1.4 million towards Alex’s ongoing rehabilitation and care.

McKinnon will continue his rehabilitation at home in Newcastle.