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http://www.leaguehq.com.au/articles/2008/07/19/1216163227948.html?feed=fairfaxdigitalxmlhttp://www.canberratimes.com.au/new...arts-go-out-to-stricken-teenager/1060489.aspx
Hearts go out to stricken teenager
ADRIAN PROSZENKO
20/07/2008 12:22:45 AM
Wests Tigers are rallying around Matt Davidson after the promising prop was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Davidson, the son of Balmain Hall of Fame inductee John Davidson, was on the verge of breaking into first grade when he was struck down with the illness last month.
The 19-year-old forward had been a standout in the National Youth Competition until he eventually succumbed to what was initially believed to be a back complaint against Newcastle in round 10.
After weeks of uncertainty about his deteriorating condition and exhaustive medical tests, the diagnosis finally came through - leukaemia - rocking the Davidson family and the club.
Davidson had chemotherapy last week and medicos are optimistic he will make a full recovery and return to football.
Tigers NYC coach Peter Gentle said that, had Davidson been fit, he would have broken into the NRL ranks.
"With the amount of front-rowers we've had out in first grade, we're lacking numbers up front and he would have had his shot by now," Gentle said. "That's not to say it won't happen down the track.
"He's got to fight this challenge and worry about football when he is ready to go again.
"The good thing is he's one of the toughest kids we've got and if anyone is going to beat something like this, it's him. I'll back this kid any day."
Davidson's teammates have sent him a signed card and spliced together video footage of their matches in a bid to raise his spirits.
The Tigers have closed ranks around Davidson during his recovery at Westmead Hospital, asking well-wishers and media to respect the family's privacy.
"It's been a very tough period for his mum and dad, as well as his brother and sister," Tigers chief executive Steve Noyce said.
"The journey still has a long way to go and we all have our fingers crossed. We will continue to support Matt and his family in any way we can."
Hearts go out to stricken teenager
ADRIAN PROSZENKO
20/07/2008 12:22:45 AM
Wests Tigers are rallying around Matt Davidson after the promising prop was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Davidson, the son of Balmain Hall of Fame inductee John Davidson, was on the verge of breaking into first grade when he was struck down with the illness last month.
The 19-year-old forward had been a standout in the National Youth Competition until he eventually succumbed to what was initially believed to be a back complaint against Newcastle in round 10.
After weeks of uncertainty about his deteriorating condition and exhaustive medical tests, the diagnosis finally came through - leukaemia - rocking the Davidson family and the club.
Davidson had chemotherapy last week and medicos are optimistic he will make a full recovery and return to football.
Tigers NYC coach Peter Gentle said that, had Davidson been fit, he would have broken into the NRL ranks.
"With the amount of front-rowers we've had out in first grade, we're lacking numbers up front and he would have had his shot by now," Gentle said. "That's not to say it won't happen down the track.
"He's got to fight this challenge and worry about football when he is ready to go again.
"The good thing is he's one of the toughest kids we've got and if anyone is going to beat something like this, it's him. I'll back this kid any day."
Davidson's teammates have sent him a signed card and spliced together video footage of their matches in a bid to raise his spirits.
The Tigers have closed ranks around Davidson during his recovery at Westmead Hospital, asking well-wishers and media to respect the family's privacy.
"It's been a very tough period for his mum and dad, as well as his brother and sister," Tigers chief executive Steve Noyce said.
"The journey still has a long way to go and we all have our fingers crossed. We will continue to support Matt and his family in any way we can."
