Alex McKinnon receives a hero’s welcome from Knights as he starts new chapter
MATT LOGUE
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
JANUARY 24, 2015 12:00AM
ALEX McKinnon has returned home to Newcastle and is set to receive a hero’s welcome from teammates, who insist the inspirational injured Knight will provide a ‘significant’ boost for the club.
Close friend Beau Scott told the Daily Telegraph McKinnon is back living in Newcastle and will start a recruitment and commercial role with the Knights on Tuesday.
Scott said the playing group is ‘excited’ to reunite with their good mate again, admitting his presence will lift the entire club.
“Alex is home in Newcastle now and he was due back earlier this week,” revealed Scott, who has been in regular contact with McKinnon.
“I think it’s just great to get him back among a group of people will be a good thing.
“I know he is going to come in and do a bit of work with us at the Knights and he has got an office set up there.
“Obviously he’d be excited, but we’re excited to see him back and have him around the club again.
“I think it’s going to be as exciting for us as it will be for him, to tell you the truth.
“I think he’ll be in the office next week and it’s going to be a good time.”
Scott also revealed McKinnon is looking to build a new ‘wheelchair friendly’ house in Newcastle, but in the meantime he’ll remain in his current location.
This home was upgraded with a wheelchair ramp during RiseForAlex Round last year, giving McKinnon easier access and comfort.
“I think he is building a new house, which is going to be a lot better for him in the wheelchair,” he confirmed.
“But until that happens, he is just going to make it work at his old place.”
McKinnon’s long recovery from spinal trauma took a significant step forward last week when the Newcastle back-rower stood up with the assistance of his fiancee, Teigan Power.
Scott said was overjoyed to see his teammate on his feet for first time since suffering the injury in March last year and phoned him the day afterwards to pass on his best wishes.
“I actually spoke to Alex the night after he made that bit of progress when he stood up,” he said.
“He seemed in really good spirits, but I haven’t touched base with him since.”
