Three years after injury ended his career, Simon Dwyer finally to get support from NRL

SIMON Dwyer, the Wests Tigers forward left disabled by rugby league, was set to meet NRL officials after an outpouring of support from fans.

SIMON Dwyer, the Wests Tigers forward left disabled by rugby league, was scheduled to meet with NRL officials in Dubbo on Friday after receiving an outpouring of support from fans.

The Daily Telegraph revealed how Dwyer had essentially been forgotten by the game after tearing five nerves from his spinal column, and left with no use of his right arm, almost three years ago.

SIMON DWYER IS LEAGUE’S SECRET SHAME

The 25-year-old has since received a staggering amount of support on social media, including tweets from Newcastle captain Kurt Gidley and his former Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah.

This young guy deserves a lot more from our game. @NRL @RLPlayers http://t.co/XphNX6Uzcn

— Kurt Gidley (@kurt_gidley) May 1, 2014

In Dubbo working as an assistant to City coach Brad Fittler, Dwyer was contacted by NRL welfare officers Nigel Vagana and Andrew Ryan, with the latter organising a meeting for last night.

Around 4.30pm on Friday, the NRL also provided a brief statement, which said the organisation would work with the former NSW Origin hopeful to help him “develop a long term career”.

“@robbiefarah: Bout time someone told the Simon Dwyer story...” pic.twitter.com/OQELkc98bu

— Pat Richards (@patrichards5) May 2, 2014

The five-paragraph release also suggested Dwyer had received funding towards a Diploma in Sports Management in 2011.

Almost three years since being injured in match against Canterbury at Campbelltown Stadium, Dwyer still cannot use his right hand and has only minimal movement in his arm. He has also been forced off his pain killing medication after it started giving him seizures.

“Clearly the NRL wants to help Simon further,” NRL Chief Operating officer Jim Doyle said in the release. “Especially in regards to how we can assist with a long term career.”

Dwyer has had to wear his sling since his injury almost three years ago.

The Rugby League Players Association also contacted The Daily Telegraph late on Friday to say they too had reached out to the disabled star, after being “unaware” of his situation.

“We are waiting to hear back from Simon to find out whether we can assist him,” the official said. “If so, we’ll discuss with him what form that might take.

“We will also work with the NRL to reassess what has so far been provided to Simon and whether more can be done under the NRL/RLPA Education and Welfare Program.

“We weren’t aware he needed further support, as, up until today, we understood he was working with Wests Tigers and forging a career off the field. If that’s not the case and he needs our assistance then we’ll certainly step up but we’d like to speak with Simon before we make any further comments.”