Nathan Stapleton paralysed: Alex McKinnon’s message of hope to former Cronulla Sharks player

Wheelchair-bound former NRL player Alex McKinnon has made a stunning admission that will bring hope to Nathan Stapleton and his family as they come to grips with his heartbreaking injury.

Images from the Go Fund Me page set up to support Nathan Stapleton and his family.

Alex McKinnon has made the extraordinary admission that he “wouldn’t change a thing” eight years after suffering a devastating spinal injury.

McKinnon’s stunning self-assessment will bring unforeseen hope to former Cronulla Sharks winger Nathan Stapleton, who has been left paralysed from the shoulders down after being injured playing lower grade rugby union.

McKinnon’s show of strength and support for Stapleton has emerged in addition to the revelation that Rugby Australia is working on a fundraising initiative for the 32-year-old, who has been diagnosed a quadriplegic.

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Stapleton’s spinal cord has been damaged at the C4 level of his cervical vertebrae. He remains under close watch at the Royal North Shore spinal unit.

McKinnon, 30, who was left to confront life in a wheelchair following a tackle gone wrong while playing for Newcastle in 2014, said he was gutted to hear of Stapleton’s accident.

Nathan Stapleton has been diagnosed a quadriplegic after a rugby union accident. Picture: Go Fund Me

He explained why the young father and his wife Kate, must remain mentally strong.

“My wish for Nathan is that he fully recovers and he’s able to walk and function and get as much back as he can,’’ McKinnon said.

“But I’ll say this, if I could go back to how I was before my injury and change anything, I wouldn’t. I’m adamant with that. If I could go back, I wouldn’t go back. That’s honestly my mindset.

“Why? Because I think I’m fortunate that from all the experiences that I’ve had in the last eight years, the people that I have met, how I see things in a completely different way.

“How naive I was before. I may have grown as a person regardless, but I can’t count on that. All I can count on is how I am right now and I wouldn’t want to sacrifice the growth I’ve had as a person and where I’m at as a father.

“I wouldn’t risk all that, to go back.’’

Alex McKinnon has thrown his support behind Nathan Stapleton and his family. Picture: AAP Image/Darren Pateman

McKinnon has experience in talking with people who have suffered spinal cord injuries.

“But the people that I talk too most are, the injured individual’s partner, wife, husband, or parents,’’ McKinnon said.

“I feel they’re the one that really need a chat about what they’re experiencing. I actually enjoy helping where I can and if Nathan or his wife need someone to talk to, I’m here.’’

Stapleton was injured while playing rugby union, believed to be in the process of clearing a ruck, during his Boorowa club’s opening game of the season against West Wyalong on April 9.

The heartbreaking diagnosis for Stapleton is being supported by a Go Fund Me page which has raised almost $100,000 over the past 48 hours.

Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos also confirmed a plan for the code to raise much-needed funds for Stapleton’s on-going welfare.

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Images from the Go Fund Me page set up to support Nathan Stapleton and his family.

“Rugby Australia has been in regular contact with Nathan’s family, providing support since the incident,’’ Marinos said.

“I have also spoken with the family to reiterate the support of the rugby community.

“We are currently working through some options to generate additional support with the public – we will announce those plans once they are finalised.”

Cronulla Sharks players are also attempting to contribute financially to Stapleton by auctioning every ANZAC jersey worn in their win over Manly on Friday night.

You can contribute to the Go Fund Me page for Nathan Stapleton HERE