Hunter rugby league player Damian Jobson has been left a quadriplegic after a botched tackle snapped his neck last Saturday.
Friends, family and fans of the Windale Eagles back-rower have feared the worst after the 35-year-old hit the knee of an opposition player as he went in for a tackle on Saturday against the University of Newcastle.
The injury broke the player’s neck in several places.
Jobson’s wife Brooke told Fairfax Media her husband’s injuries had left him a “complete” quadriplegic.
“Damian can’t talk or answer questions but he still has a good idea of what’s going on,” Mrs Jobson said.
The rugby league player’s wife said “the only good news at this point” is that the father of three will still be able to breathe on his own.
The cabinet maker had only returned to the game six months ago after a lengthy hiatus.
Newcastle Knights NRL player Alex McKinnon was also left a quadriplegic after a tackle in 2014.
Windale Eagles Rugby League Football Club launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the young father’s treatment after he was airlifted to Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital last Saturday.
While the page has managed to raise just over $20,000, costly medical bills attributed to quadriplegic care could place a significant financial burden on the young family.
Mrs Jobson told Fairfax Media her family may need to sell their home.
It is hoped Jobson’s player’s insurance policy will assist with the cost of his medical bill.
