The 22-year-old Newcastle Knights back-rower Alex McKinnon was diagnosed quadriplegic, following the horrible injury at the match against Melbourne that left him in coma.

The news of quadriplegia was first announced on Channel Nine and was later confirmed by CRL on Monday night via Facebook.

"Absolutely devastated by the news of Alex McKinnon. Doctors diagnosed Alex a quadriplegic. The Rugby League family is right behind you," CRL stated.

The incident has shocked the country as a whole. Australian Cricket Test Captain Michael Clarke also showed his concern.

"Devastating news about Alex McKinnon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time," Clarke said via Twitter.

Former Paralympics star Kurt Fearnley also paid his respect.

"Extremely tough turn for Alex McKinnon. Grateful he's still here. Life will never be the same for him, but he will be the same great human!" Fearnley said.

Earlier, Newcastle Knights paid a fleeting tribute to McKinnon with a 30-0 win against Cronulla Sharks.

Newcastle Knights is also facing another trouble as NRL, Hunter Sports Group (HSG) and the club are working to define a unified business model. Nathan Tinkler was supposed to come up with funds by 5 pm on Monday to retain the ownership, or else the members would be forced to take over the club for just a dollar.

But NRL's head, Tony Crawfordm later confirmed that HSG and Knights Members Club had agreed to hold any further action till NRL discusses with both parties.

"Those discussions will be led by the NRL. In the meantime, it is business as usual for the Newcastle Knights ... This will give all parties a chance to explore all options which are in the long term interests of the Knights ... The negotiations will be confidential and could take some time to complete. None of the parties will make any public comment until they are completed," Crawford stated.