Kurt Drysdale was paralysed in rugby league accident but will be watching Origin from hospital bed with family
YOUNG footy player Kurt Drysdale is sedated and paralysed from the neck down in hospital after a ‘freak’ on-field accident. But he has asked for his Blues wig and will support NSW as best he can.
BLUES courage will extend beyond the Origin field for Game 2 when injured young rugby star Kurt Drysdale watches the game wearing his beloved Blues wig.
The 20-year-old had been on track to join NRL stars playing the game he loves but a devastating injury in a tackle earlier this month has left him paralysed from the neck down.
A Cronulla under 20s player and hooker for Cabramatta, Kurt was playing the Wentworthville Magpies on June 7 when he was struck down by what his father describes as a “freak accident”.
Steve Drysdale said his son’s team mates could immediately see there was something seriously wrong.
“He’s in bad shape,’’ Mr Drysdale told the Daily Telegraph.
“He can hear and respond by lifting his eyebrows.
“It’s the hardest thing we have ever had to deal with, ever. It’s just come as big shock.
“It’s going to be a long, long battle.’’
Kurt, from Stanwell Park in the Illawarra, was taken to Westmead Hospital and later flown to Royal North Shore, where he remains heavily sedated and requiring assistance to breathe.
The apprentice plumber has so far undergone two surgeries to correct damage between his C2 and C5 vertebrae.
Although he can barely move or talk, his spirits are high. The NRL hopeful has asked his family to bring him his beloved Blues wig so he can watch the State of Origin on Wednesday night.
He will be joined by both his parents, his older brother and heavily pregnant older sister.
“He’s a fanatical Blues supporter,’’ Mr Drysdale said.
“He wants his wig for this Wednesday so we are all going in to watch the game with him.’’
Kurt has been described as one of the emerging stars of the game, playing junior rugby league for the Cronulla Sharks.
HOW THE BLUES STACK UP FOR GAME 2
A statement from the club said: “Kurt, a Sharks district junior, former Endeavour High School student and a member of out NYC under-20s squad in 2014, suffered a serious neck injury while playing for Cabramatta.’’
“We understand he is receiving the best possible treatment at Royal North Shore Hospital and wish him the best possible outcome and recovery.’’
He has also received get-well wishes from Wentworthville District Rugby League Football Club as well as the Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Club, where he was once a member.
Donations for Kurt are being collected at his father’s workplace, Ziems Butchers in Corrimal.
The business will hold a sausage sizzle on Saturday morning to raise money for Kurt.
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