RUGBY LEAGUE
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A close family friend of injured footballer Kurt Drysdale believes the traits the 20-year-old showed in a football career cut short can help him navigate what is certain to be a tough journey to recovery.
Drysdale, from Stanwell Tops, is in the spinal unit of Royal North Shore Hospital after suffering a horrific spinal injury while playing for Cabramatta at Wentworthville in June.
The promising Cronulla Sharks NYC graduate suffered a fracture in his C5 vertebrae and numerous other fractures after a tackle gone wrong. Subsequent surgeries have not been as successful as hoped.
Helensburgh Tigerlillies coach Daniel Robberds, a primary school classmate of Kurt's older sister Skye, coached the talented young athlete in rugby league and surf lifesaving.
He saw then all the qualities Kurt will need in the next phase of his life.
"He was a talented boy but he is also very determined and tough," Robberds said.
"He was willing to work on every part of his game. Sometimes people with natural talent get as far as they can but don't have that drive but he certainly has that.
"He's always had that drive and hopefully that will benefit him as he deals with the next stage of his life.
"He's not going to give up on living his life to as full as he can."
Drysdale's injury was similar to that suffered by former Newcastle Knights player Alex McKinnon last year that united the rugby league community in support of one of its own with the Rise For Alex round raising over $1 million to help fund his ongoing rehabilitation and living costs.
McKinnon told his full story for the first time on 60 Minutes this month and days later broke a personal vow to never return to the RNS spinal ward to lift Kurt's spirits.
"When he first watched 60 Minutes it was quite hard for him to see Alex still unable to walk," Robberds said.
"That made him really upset but when Alex came in it brightened his spirits up because it showed someone coming back from something so devastating and life-changing.
"He obviously still has his dark days. He's becoming more aware of his complete situation and what's to come."
That is where the rugby league community can help with this weekend's Unite for Kurt round that will see various collections and fund-raising efforts at all junior and senior Illawarra rugby league fixtures.
Robberds urges people to give what they can to alleviate some of the financial pressure being dealt with by Drysdale's parents, Sonya and Steve.
People can also donate online at #uniteforkurt Go Fund Me page.