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McKinnon leaves Knights off-field role

Former NRL player Alex McKinnon has left his recruitment role with Newcastle and will look for new challenges.

Alex McKinnon says his off-field role with Newcastle helped him re-establish a sense of purpose but it's time for a new challenge.

Former NRL player McKinnon, who was paralysed during a game in 2014, has vacated his role in the club's player recruitment department which he held for around 18 months.

The 25-year-old will turn his attention to public speaking.

McKinnon was forced to give rugby league away when he suffered a devastating spinal injury in a tackle three years ago.

"It's hard telling people who have helped me so much over the last year-and-a-half, but I need to get out of my comfort zone," he said.

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"I can't put all my eggs in one basket. I need to challenge myself and just go for it."

He thanked the club for providing an opportunity as he progressed through his rehabilitation.

"Having that sense of belonging - a lot of people in life seek that, and I got that back," he said.

"I've always had that through football. Obviously, I lost that getting injured.

"I found that again working at the club."

McKinnon said he hoped to inspire people as a public speaker, while he will also take on an external role as a scout.

"I can maybe help other people from my experiences," he said.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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