NRL stars show their support for Alex McKinnon with #RiseForAlex selfies
TELEGRAPH STAFF
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
JULY 18, 2014 12:00AM
Players have united for the Rise For Alex weekend.
Alex McKinnon’s battle has united the NRL like never before with players from all clubs showing their support by sharing selfies of them wearing their wristbands.
Penrith Panthers co-captain Peter Wallace
“Alex - from everyone at Panthers, we wish you all the best with your recovery and we want you to know we are with you all the way. You are an inspiration to so many people, and you’ll be with us when we play this weekend in the Rise For Alex round.”
Penrith Panthers co-captain Peter Wallace
“Alex is an inspiration to everyone who plays this game. We just want to wish him all the very best with his recovery. We’re all behind you Alex!”
South Sydney Rabbitohs captain John Sutton
South Sydney Rabbitohs captain John Sutton
“On behalf of the Raiders we encourage as many fans to get along to the games this round and get behind the Rise for Alex round. Even though we’re playing in Melbourne we want to see plenty of fans at AAMI park as every fan counts even more this weekend.”
Canberra Raiders captain Terry Campese
Canberra Raiders captain Terry Campese
Parramatta Eels captain Jarryd Hayne
“Alex is obviously going through a really tough time and it’s great for the NRL to be able to step in and help him out. His positive attitude is really inspiring and if we can all help him through it then that’s awesome.”
Parramatta Eels captain Jarryd Hayne
“The accident was a tragic one but Alex is showing amazing courage in his recovery efforts. It’s fantastic the NRL and the rugby league community are getting behind RiseForAlex and I’m only too happy to be able to help in any way I can. I hope everybody can get on board this weekend, get out to the footy wherever it is being played to support a great cause and a terrific bloke.”
Cronulla Sharks captain Paul Gallen
Paul Gallen wears his Rise For Alex wristband
“I had the privilege of playing with Alex last year in the City v Country, he is a great young man whose injury has devastated all of us involved in the game and he deserves this weekend. His courage and commitment to his recovery is an inspiration to all of us in our everyday lives. Everyone at the Bulldogs wishes him all the best.”
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs captain Michael Ennis
Bulldogs captain Michael Ennis
Gold Coast Titans captain Nate Myles
“It is just enormous to see the whole game of rugby league unite in support of Alex. We play the Knights in Newcastle on Sunday so it is going to be a very emotional day and every player across the 16 teams will have Alex McKinnon on our minds before we run out, even though we all then have to focus on winning the game. This is a wonderful initiative to help a special bloke and credit goes to the NRL and all the players and clubs for getting behind it. It says a lot about our game.”
Gold Coast Titans captain Nate Myles
Sydney Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello
“It’s fantastic to see the rugby league community pulling together like this to help one of our own. It’s inspiring to hear Alex speak so positively and always great to hear of his improvements. Here at the Roosters, all our thoughts certainly continue to be with Alex with his ongoing recovery. This weekend is a small way we can all play a part in contributing to Alex’s ongoing recovery, and it’s a great initiative with the NRL donating one dollar to the Rise For Alex fund for every fan who attends a game this round. With the SCG Trust also donating one dollar for every person who attends the Roosters v Panthers game, fans will hopefully turn out in numbers at Allianz Stadium this Saturday. We’ve all got our Rise For Alex wristbands as a show of support. They’ll be available at all the games for a two dollar donation, and we’ll hopefully see plenty of them on people’s wrists through the weekend and especially at our game on Saturday.”
Sydney Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello
New Zealand Warriors captain Simon Mannering
“Everyone at the Warriors is right behind the #RiseForAlex campaign. We hope our fans are out in big numbers at Suncorp Stadium supporting the cause on Saturday night and again on July 27 when we’ll be doing all we can to help when we play Manly at Mount Smart Stadium.”
New Zealand Warriors captain Simon Mannering
“Everyone at Wests Tigers is right behind Alex at this tough time. Alex is an inspiration to us all and it’s great that we as a sport can help him.”
NRL Captains wear Rise For Alex wristbands
Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah
“It is so wonderful to see everyone in the game banding together for this cause and to honour Alex’s courage. I implore all Broncos fans, join with us now and #RiseForAlex.”
Brisbane Broncos captain Corey Parker
Sea Eagles captain Jamie Lyon
Brisbane Broncos captain Corey Parker
“Even though we never played together, the Sea Eagles and I are proud to be on Alex’s team this weekend for the Rise for Alex Round. I encourage everyone to head to game, buy a wristband, donate via online, call or text and help support young Alex on his road to recovery.”
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles captain Jamie Lyon
“There’s no doubt that everyone at the Cowboys, and in our game in general, has been touched by Alex’s situation and the incredible way he has handled his adversity.”
North Queensland Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston
St George Illawara Dragons captain Ben Creagh
“The St George Illawarra Dragons will all proudly Rise For Alex when we take to the field at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Monday.”
St George Illawara Dragons captain Ben Creagh
“Alex’s progress over the last few months shows how determined he is. It’s fantastic the whole rugby league community has got behind the RiseForAlex initiative and we hope as many fans as possible attend games this weekend to support Alex.”
Melbourne Storm player Ryan Hinchcliffe
“You’re a much loved teammate of ours Macca! We’re so proud of your progress thus far. Keep up the great work.”
Newcastle Knights captain Kurt Gidley
<b>NRL stars support Rise for Alex</b>
Newcastle Knights captain Kurt Gidley
Make sure you buy this Saturday’s Daily Telegraph, $1 from every sale will be donated to the RiseForAlex Fund. Thanks to our partners FoxSports and Crown Resorts Foundation