Parramatta Eels great David Liddiard lucky to be alive after suffering heart attack on Christmas Eve

A split-second decision saved David Liddiard’s life. Now the Parramatta grand final hero has issued a warning from his hospital bed in the hope of saving others from potential tragedy.

Former Parramatta grand final hero David Liddiard is lucky to be alive after suffering a Christmas Eve heart attack.

“I’m fortunate to still be here,” Liddiard said. “It scared the s..t out of me.”

Liddiard, 62, has already undergone one round of heart surgery with another procedure to come this week.

He began experiencing chest pains on Christmas Eve, believing it was simply post-breakfast indigestion.

“I thought I had indigestion from eggs on toast. I took Mylanta but that didn’t help,” Liddiard said.

David Liddiard in hospital on the Gold Coast, surrounded by his with wife Peta (left) and daughters Kaiya and Sienna (far right). Picture: Supplied

When the pain failed to subside, his wife Peta, called an ambulance and insisted he be taken to the nearby Tweed Hospital. The former Eel, Panther and Sea Eagle reluctantly agreed.

“They took me straight to hospital and told me I was having a heart attack right then and there on the table,” he said.

“If I hadn’t come to hospital I’d be dead, 100 per cent.

“The chest pains were very painful.

“It’s frightening to think I am lucky to be here talking to you. I had the heart attack on the table in hospital. I came here in an ambulance with sirens blaring.”

Liddiard has since been transferred to John Flynn Private Hospital at Tugun to undergo lifesaving heart surgery.

“I’ve had one procedure and have another one on Wednesday. I’m in hospital for a week while they fix the blocked valves leading to my heart,” Liddiard said.

Speaking from his hospital bed on the Gold Coast, Liddiard, who is known for his healthy lifestyle, wants his story told to urge people to monitor their health, even if they believe they’re physically fit.

Liddiard in the 1983 grand final against Manly. Picture: NRL Photos

“It’s been confronting and a reality check. People have to take these things seriously,” Liddiard said.

“I don’t smoke, don’t drink much, have never done drugs and I train every day. It shows you that everyone is vulnerable and everyone must be vigilant in checking up on their health.

“Heart attacks don’t discriminate.

“My arteries were blocked. Don’t take your health for granted. Thankfully, my wife Peta made me come to hospital.”

Doctors want to conduct additional tests on Liddiard

“I won’t be able to train for six weeks when I get out. I’ll be okay, mate,” he said.

Unbelievably, Liddiard’s cardiac drama came just two days after a story in The Daily Telegraph revealed the ex-star’s resilience during his 12-year playing career.

The 1983 grand final-winning 83kg winger endured more injuries than any other player in rugby league history, overcoming an ankle reconstruction, two titanium knees, shoulder reconstruction, three broken jaws and had his top teeth knocked out.

He also had stitches inserted into the back of his head, seven broken noses, three broken cheekbones and stitches to reattach his tongue.

Liddiard suffered five broken ribs, a broken collarbone, stitches above his eye, Carpal tunnel syndrome in his wrist, 10 concussions and three broken fingers.