NRL supporters have donated more than $1.1 million for injured Newcastle forward Alex McKinnon, after a bucket appeal and the sale of wristbands at Hunter Stadium on Sunday raised $30,000 alone.
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The huge fund-raising effort comes as NRL players consider whether to endorse a proposed insurance policy that may not pay them as big a sum if they were to suffer such a catastrophic injury. McKinnon, who was left with a "devastating spinal injury" after a lifting tackle in the round-three clash with Melbourne at AAMI Stadium, will need the money to meet the cost of medical bills, housing suitable for his mobility and movement, essential physiotherapy equipment and treatment as he strives to walk again.
The NRL has donated $1 for each of the 136,671 fans who attended the seven matches played so far in this weekend's Rise For Alex round, while AAMI Stadium and the SCG Trust provided an additional $1 for each person who passed through the turnstiles at their venues for Storm-Raiders and Roosters-Panthers games. In total. $162,143 has been raised from ticket sales, and St George Illawarra are still to host Manly at Kogarah Oval on Monday night.
The Warriors, Bulldogs, Canterbury sponsor Jaycar, Telstra, Carlton and United, Lion Nathan, Channel Nine and News Corp were among the other big donors, while fans pledged money during a telethon last Thursday night.
"I have always been proud of the game but over the last week when all of the hype started for this round with Alex, the response has been outstanding and magnificent the generosity," Knights coach Wayne Bennett said. "I have always been proud to be a part of it but I am more prouder this week of the game than I have ever been because it is certainly the first time in my history in rugby league that we have done something like this ... [plus] since I have been coaching, which is 28 years now. I just want to thank everybody today and Thursday, the people of Newcastle have been outstanding. The amount of money they have raised and given here has been magnificent, there was $30,000 here today just on the wristbands and donations alone."
However, most players are uninsured for severe injuries as negotiations between the NRL, players' union and clubs have failed to agree on a policy acceptable to all parties. A new proposal was sent to players on Friday and they have been asked to vote on it soon. Fairfax Media understands the cost of insurance would be split evenly between the player, his club and the NRL.
However, there are concerns that it only covers 75 per cent of a player's contract, and is capped at $500,000. It is also understood the policy does not provide cover for any existing injury, mental health or illness.
