Jarryd Roughead cancer fight: Hawks star speaks publicly

HAWTHORN star Jarryd Roughead will reveal the full story of his battle with cancer when he speaks publicly today for the first time.

HAWTHORN star Jarryd Roughead has four ‘small spots’ on his lung as the full story of his battle with cancer is revealed.

Roughead said he was first shocked, “a bit emotional about it”, but is now ready to start treatment next week at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

He says the odds are good.

“I know what I have to do and its going to be a bit of battle for the next few months,” he said.

“It’s not like I’m going anywhere.”

WATCH ROUGHEAD SPEAK LIVE IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE AND SCROLL DOWN FOR LIVE UPDATES

The 29-year-old is holding today’s media conference at Waverley along with Hawks doctor Michael Makdissi and football manager Chris Fagan.

Roughead said he had no plans for retirement and felt fine.

“There’s no point feeling down for me, it’s not going to make you feel better or make me feel better,” he said.

Roughead’s long-term footy future still remains uncertain after scans two weeks ago revealed a melanoma had returned and spread internally.

The triple-premiership forward missed two matches last year when a melanoma was cut from his lip.

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Roughead is out of the game indefinitely and Hawthorn says his health is the club’s No. 1 concern.

Roughead flew to Brisbane last weekend with his teammates to watch the 250th game of close friend Jordan Lewis.

- with Al Paton, Nathaniel Bane