Alex McKinnon has revealed he wants to meet with Melbourne NRL player Jordan McLean, after forgiving him for the tackle that left him wheelchair-bound.
McKinnon was paralysed from a McLean tackle while playing for Newcastle in 2014, for which the Storm forward received a seven-week suspension.
McKinnon revealed on Wednesday night he had for a long time carried "hate" and "frustration" over the incident, but said he had now moved on from the matter as he continued his physical rehabilitation.
"It is definitely something that has gone through my mind that I would like to sit down with him and have a different conversation," McKinnon told Fox Sports' League Life program on Wednesday.
"I understand he never went into that game to hurt me.
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"I watch football and see him on TV and it's something unique that he went through as well. I cannot understand or know what he has gone through personally."
McKinnon, who played 49 NRL games for St George Illawarra and the Knights, has rarely spoken publicly since the life-changing moment in 2014.
However he created a stir in 2015 when he criticised Storm, Queensland and Kangaroos captain Cameron Smith for debating a penalty following the tackle as he laid on the ground seeking treatment for the injury.
But he confirmed on Wednesday night that he had since apologised to Smith for his remarks in the piece.
"Sitting back that night and watching the 60 Minutes program I didn't like the way I looked - it wasn't me," he said.
"I called Cameron and actually apologised to him for the way things were handled.
"I got to a time where I got to forgive, forget and move on.
"It was like a massive weight lifted off my body."
McKinnon has regained movement in his arms and can stand with the help of a forearm walker ahead of his wedding to fiancee Teigan Power in October.
He is also completing an Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management after leaving a junior recruitment role at the Knights in January.
"I'm progressing," he said.
"I consider myself really lucky. A lot of people with spinal cord injuries aren't improving three years down the track."
The back rower also said he had a "healthy" relationship with the NRL, despite reports he was preparing to launch legal action against them and McLean last December.
"My relationship with the NRL is one which is really healthy," McKinnon said.
"Right from the start they have looked after me with rehab and support - anything I've ever needed.
"I don't know where it's going to go in the future ... But in relation to right now it's healthy."
