Injured Newcastle back-rower Alex McKinnon says he is ready to move on to a new phase in his life, six months after the accident that has left him in a wheelchair.
In an emotional statement posted on social media, McKinnon, who suffered the injuryin a match against Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park in March, said he was not thinking back on what might have been, but was focused on a successful future.
“Just watched highlights of 2012/13 of me playing hard to think I’ll never play again and know what could of been…” McKinnon wrote.
“Frustrating that it was all taken away from me in a few seconds, but so grateful that I did get to play at the highest level with mates I’ll have forever.
“It’s funny that now when one door is slammed shut on me I’ve spent the last 5 months not dwelling on what could of been but now towards a focus of what I want to make a success.
“Yes rugby league was my drive before though my real drive in life is just to succeed & if that be in a new career then that I will do!”
The NRL’s round 19 was renamed the Rise For Alex round. To date the rugby league community has raised more than $1.4 million to support Alex’s ongoing rehabilitation and care.