Aaron Gray feared for his career after suffering an overdosing on prescription drugs

WHEN Aaron Gray was in hospital last September after overdosing on prescription drugs, he genuinely feared for not only his football future but his life.

Aaron Gray feared for his career after suffering an overdosing on prescription drugs: Toby Zerna

WHEN Aaron Gray was bedridden in St Vincent Hospital last September after overdosing on prescription drugs, he genuinely feared for not only his football future but his life.

Flash forward seven months and Gray will make his representative debut for City in Tamworth on Sunday.

It’s a turn of events the South Sydney outside back is incredibly grateful for.

Gray knows his prescription drug overdose could have cost him his contract or much worse his life — now he just wants to make the most of every opportunity.

“I didn’t think I’d play too many first grade games, let alone get a rep jumper,” Gray admitted to The Sunday Telegraph.

“Once everything happened (with the prescription drugs) I said it was a line in the sand — I can either let it make me or break me.

“So far I’m heading in the right direction and I’ve just got to keep doing that.

“I knew straight away that I’ve learnt my lesson.

“If you don’t learn your lesson there you are never going to learn.

Nathan Brown, Ryan Matterson, Aaron Gray and Leilani Latu will make their debut for City. Picture: Toby Zerna

“It’s all in the past and that’s where I’d like to leave it.”

Gray has certainly done his best to move on from his prescription drug drama.

He has played all nine matches for the Rabbitohs on the wing this season, while he has scored five tries.

It’s the type of form that has helped him secure his maiden City jumper — an honour he admits was a shock when Souths coach Michael Maguire informed him of his selection earlier this week.

“It was pretty unexpected,” he said frankly.

“I was at home last night ready to go to bed and Madge called me and told me the good news.

“But I can’t complain and I’m just looking forward to playing now.”

The credibility of the annual Country versus City clash is regularly questioned, but you only have to take one look at Gray’s smile to understand it’s a significant clash.

“Well it means plenty to me,” he said.

“It is my first rep jersey in the first grade, so I’m definitely going to have a dig and grab it with both hands.

“I’ve watched the Country versus City match every year.

“All the guys who have played Origin have played in this game, so it will be good to get out there and test myself against some good opposition.

“We’ve got a lot of young guys coming through in the side, so it will be interesting to see how we go.”