Alex McKinnon Was Offered Job for Life with the NRL
Alex McKinnon was offered a job for life as the NRL promised to support the family, following his long-standing struggle for recovery from spinal injury.
The NRL chief David Smith stated they will find a suitable opportunity for the Newcastle Knights prop. Smith had given the offer on Monday in person to Alex's father.
"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," Smith said to The Daily Telegraph.
Smith had devised a five-point plan to offer support to McKinnon. The plan will also be levied to the future players of the club having similar situation.
"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 ... We want to explore all avenues to do this and it all starts with Alex," Smith said.
The ongoing treatment of McKinnon will cost a great deal of money in the years to come. The club has set up a new foundation "Rise for Alex" to encourage the fans to contribute to the new foundation. The foundation will open from July 18 at the Round 19 of NRL league.
Smith further confirmed the NRL will also talk with other club members and NRL broadcasters to plan for some fundraising events. Some possible options would be to organise music concerts in Adelaide and Sydney, extra activities for families in selective matches, auctions and fundraising from junior football.
Knights Chairman Nick Dan is happy with the move taken by the NRL.
"We're a close-knit community - when one of us hurts, we all hurt so these concrete measures are fantastic," Dan said.
Smith will also discuss with the Men in League and the Rugby Players Association to find a suitable position for McKinnon.