Gold Coast Titans under-17s futures player Joseph Pouniu facing 'enormous battle' after suffering serious neck injury while playing Brisbane Broncos
In the midst of the biggest battle faced in his young life, Joseph Pouniu has found a legendary supporter in his long road to recovery.
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In the midst of the biggest battle faced in his young life, Joseph Pouniu has found a legendary supporter in his long road to recovery.
Gold Coast Titans’ all-time leading try scorer Anthony Don has announced he will take part in the Gold Coast Marathon to raise funds for the former rising rugby league star.
Pouniu, 17, suffered a serious spinal injury while playing for the Future Titans on January 28 and has since been diagnosed a quadriplegic.
Once identified as an aspiring leader of the NRL club, the promising forward — who was also plying his trade in Redcliffe’s junior ranks — was at last able to attend a major event last weekend; proudly donning the Titans colours at their Sunday clash with the Dolphins.
A GoFundMe Page to support Pouniu’s rehabilitation has reached more than $71,000, and now Don will take part in the 42km marathon on Sunday July 2 in a bid to boost that figure further.
“I’m just looking to raise funds for Joseph Pouniu, so I thought I’d run the marathon and try and raise as much money as I can from the local Gold Coast community and the rugby league community in general,” Don said.
“I’ve never run a marathon and I’ve struggled to run long distances … so it’s going to be a real challenge for me, but the challenge isn’t anything like Joseph is facing.
“He was such a great kid who was captain of his high school and captain of the Future Titans Under 17s when we played the Broncos.
“It was a life-changing incident, so the family and himself have got a long battle ahead and as much money raised will go a long way into his improvement in the future.”
Gold Coast Marathon program manager Ryan McDonald praised Don’s part in the 2023 event to assist in the fundraising efforts for ‘Big Joe’, with the former Titan receiving complimentary race entry to participate.
To support Don’s efforts, head to asf.org.au/projects/joseph-pouniu.
'IF ANYONE CAN GET THROUGH THIS IT'S HIM': FAMILY PRAISE FOR BATTLING TITAN (February 22)
A family member of Joseph Pouniu has declared if anyone can get through the ordeal he currently faces it is him.
Pouniu has been battling a severe spinal injury ever since a shocking incident in a Future Titans trial game on January 28.
A promising young forward lauded as a true leader on the field, Pouniu faces a long and challenging road to recovery, however his aunt Nicole Taylor took to Facebook in a passionate praise of her nephew.
She lauded the teenager as an idol to her sons and that if there was a young man who could overcome this time it would be him, with the community able to support his fight through a recently set up GoFundMe page.
"Joe is one of the most generous, kind and caring humans you will ever meet," Ms Taylor wrote.
"The last 3 weeks have felt like an eternity for our family watching our nephew come to terms with his injury.
PREVIOUS: Gold Coast Titans junior representative player Joseph Pouniu faces months of rehabilitation as he attempts to regain movement following a “life changing” spinal injury.
A Gofundme appeal has been launched to help Mr Pounio, who suffered the injury when playing for the club in an under-17 game against the Brisbane Broncos in Burleigh on January 28.
The news comes as Pouniu's younger brother, Brian, made a courageous return to rugby league, helping to guide Redcliffe to a Cyril Connell Challenge win over Souths Logan.
Simon Mammino, who organised the fundraiser, said Mr Pounio faced an “enormous battle” to regain movement from his shoulders down.
“The next six months will be critical in determining the extent of his life changing spinal injury,” Mr Mammino wrote.
“Joseph’s family had been advised to expect at least six months, possibly longer in the hospital, as Joseph has a long road to recovery.
“Joseph’s family has also been told there is a chance he may never walk again. Whilst it is a possibility, we continue to pray and believe in the power of healing.”
Mr Pouniu is being treated at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, where a specialist spinal injuries unit is located.
Mr Mammino said he spent nine days in intensive care at the hospital after the horror injury, where he had surgery to stabilise his neck and reattach his C4 and C5 vertebrae.
He said Mr Pouniu’s life had been “turned upside down” by the injury, but he had been “humbled by the support and love from friends and family”.
“His friends called him Big Joe, as he stands out so tall amongst his peers,” Mr Mammino said.
“His willingness to give anything a go, to be vulnerable, and to embrace those around him was so inspiring to many.
“He would always put others’ needs before his own and he would always make sure his friends and teammates are okay.
“... His love for his friends and especially his family was readily apparent. We miss seeing him happy, healthy, and active.
“His kind, gentle, happiness-filled spirit and great sense of humour were taking him to places.
“Unfortunately, due to his tragic accident, his life has been turned upside down. Joseph’s family has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support, and prayers from the community, some of the people who are not even known to the family but who want to reach out and give something in support and love.
“We kindly ask for prayers for Joseph and his family and our heartfelt thanks for any amount contributed.”
TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUNDRAISER, VISIT https://gofund.me/d5a6b637
PREVIOUSLY: TITANS STAR BATTLING SPINAL INJURY
THE Gold Coast Titans junior representative battling neck injuries in a spinal hospital has been revealed to be one of the state’s top NRL prospects.
Joseph Pouniu suffered a serious neck injury while playing for the Gold Coast Titans junior representative side on Saturday.
The Future Titans v Brisbane Broncos under-17 game, held at Burleigh Bears Junior Rugby League Football Club on Saturday, was brought to a stand still and then cancelled after the Gold Coast player collided with the goalposts while trying to make a tackle.
Pouniu was taken to Princess Alexandra hospital, one that specialises in spinal cord injuries, in a serious but stable condition.
An ambulance spokesman said he had suffered quite a serious neck injury and was attended to on the field by paramedics, critical care and the high acuity unit.
The tall and powerful front rower is one of the most exciting young players coming through the junior ranks in the game.
Pouniu’s talent pushed the Titans to reach beyond their traditional breeding grounds of the Gold Coast and Northern NSW Rivers and lure the prop from north Brisbane where he was a shining light for Redcliffe.
Gold Coast signed the St Eugene College student to a multi-year deal early in 2021.
Pouniu captained the Titans under-17s team on the weekend and was the Redcliffe Cyril Connell Cup team in 2022 where he was frequently among the Dolphins best.
He is a popular figure among Titans and Redcliffe teammates, considered a natural on-field leader who makes those around him feel two foot taller.
Before his shift to the Dolphins Pouniu thrived in the North Lakes Kangaroos system, guiding the club’s under-14 team to a grand final qualifier in 2020 where he scored twice while he also crossed for the under-13 side in its 2019 grand final win.
Pouniu also represented the Sunshine Coast regional sports team for both the 16-18 years rugby league competition and athletics in 2022.
He is one of multiple Pouniu rugby league talents, with young brother Brian another highly touted young star.
Brian Pouniu was named among Australia’s top 50 rugby league players aged under 15 last year and is a 195cm national schoolboys representative back-rower who looks destined for the NRL.
Gold Coast Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said they were supporting Pouniu, his family and teammates.
Mitchell said the situation was devastating for a player in the early stages of a young career.
“Joseph is a terrific young man and leader and is a big part of our Future Titans program,” he said.
“The club and the wider rugby league community will support Joseph and his family through this time.
“We will also make sure the rest of our Future Titans playing squad have the support they need.
“In respect to Joseph and his family, given the road that’s ahead for them, we offer our ongoing support and respect their privacy at this time.”
The NRL is aware of the injury and is liaising with the Titans and Queensland Rugby League.
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