Conor Tweedy there to celebrate Gregory Terrace 28-26 win

THERE have been extremely difficult, painful and confronting days since schoolboy rugby player Conor Tweedy suffered a traumatic neck injury in a scrum collapse, but today was a soaring, winning one.

THE raucous victory chant that circled Conor Tweedy on the main rugby field of Gregory Terrace on Saturday would have lifted the joyful schoolboy out of his wheelchair if it were possible.

Such was the positive energy in that throng of 50 boys, who wanted to transfer the on-field miracle they had just played in or witnessed to a mate they have never stopped including.

The verses were at full volume and Tweedy, 16, was in the centre of the circle belting out the song at the same level after the 28-26 win over Ipswich Grammar on the bell.

There have been extremely difficult, painful and confronting days since his traumatic neck injury in a scrum collapse on July 21 but this was a soaring, winning one.

Conor Tweedy (front) with his Second XV mate Ben Hearne (in jersey, centre left) and Terrace school friends. Picture: Liam Kidston

The inspiring young Tweedy had circled this day on the calendar for weeks as a motivating target in his slow yet determined fight to regain more movement in his arms and legs.

His midweek visit to watch wheelchair rugby at the YMCA in Bowen Hills was his first leave pass from the Princess Alexandra Hospital and was a dry run for returning to his first school rugby game since his accident seven weeks earlier.

“A great finish, a great day,” a smiling Conor said.

“The ball hits the crossbar, the kick goes over and a Terrace win.

“I’ve had in my mind for a while that I wanted to get to the school’s last home game (at Tennyson) and I did.”

First XV Terrace coach Tom Barker during the Ipswich Grammar vs Terrace game. Picture: Liam Kidston

Winger Reilly See answered prayers on the field when he slotted his second sideline conversion on full-time to snatch the 28-26 result after Mayson Hill’s late try.

“The positivity of his mates and boys beings boys around Conor means so much because those influences do aid the mindset when rehabilitation is a long road,” proud father Sean said.

“Conor jumps on all the little gains he feels with extra flex in a finger or more bicep strength by exercise therapy in hospital and that’s the persistence you have to keep showing.”

Young Tweedy had his Second XV jersey cut from his body when rushed to hospital for emergency surgery in July.

Just being more robust and able to sit in a wheelchair for hours is progress along a road with support at every turn.