Joel Thompson feared for his life after hitting head on rocks after Koori Knockout

Manly forward Joel Thompson has opened up on the horrific head knock that saw him airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital, with the Sea Eagles star declaring, “I didn’t think I’d survive”.

Manly star Joel Thompson in hospital after falling and hitting his head. Picture: Supplied

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NRL star Joel Thompson on Wednesday night revealed he thought he was going to die after suffering a horrific injury while partying at the long weekend.

The Manly Sea Eagles forward told The Daily Telegraph from his hospital bed that he feared for his life after hitting his head on rocks while celebrating with his friends

Thompson was taken by ambulance to Gosford Hospital and then airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital.

“I just caught up with mates and rolled down a big hill until I hit a rocky end,” Thompson said on Wednesday.

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Manly star Joel Thompson in hospital after falling and hitting his head. Picture: Supplied

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“My head hit it hard and I didn’t think I’d survive. But I’ve come through it.

“I’m in survival mode and it’s been a mess but I am OK.”

Thompson had a massive gash on his head that was stapled together and looks nothing like his on-field image as one of rugby league’s toughest players.

Thompson, 31, described the incident as a “massive wake-up call”.

“My only concern is for my family and letting them know I am OK,” Thompson said.

Thompson had earlier posted a graphic photo of himself on Instagram with the caption: “Hey everyone I’ve had a real bad accident — won’t be talking to anyone for another week. Big lesson learnt around drinking and partying... Thinking of you all.”

The Sea Eagles forward feared for his life after the head knock. Picture. Phil Hillyard

The back-rower was among a host of NRL stars celebrating the annual Koori Knockout at Central Coast Regional Sporting Complex.

The likes of Andrew Fifita, Cody Walker, Josh Addo-Carr and Greg Inglis featured. Thompson did not play but was interviewed at the tournament.

“Last time I played was at Newcastle for Walgett and we were lucky enough to win it,” he told NBN News.

The popular Sea Eagle collected the Ken Stephen Medal in 2016. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“It’s enjoyable footy and all the NRL players love to be back and being involved in the community.”

The 31-year-old is highly regarded within the rugby league community for his charity work, particularly driving mental health and wellbeing issues. He won the prestigious Ken Stephen Award in 2016 in recognition of all his off-field deeds.

Thompson is without a contract at Manly for next season but is expected to remain at the club.

Thompson has played 220 NRL matches since making his debut for Canberra in 2008.

He has made six appearances for the Indigenous All Stars side and also represented NSW Country at representative level.

Originally published as Joel Thompson feared for his life after hitting head on rocks after Koori Knockout