Join today and you can easily save your favourite articles, join in the conversation and comment, plus select which news your want direct to your inbox.
Join today and you can easily save your favourite articles, join in the conversation and comment, plus select which news your want direct to your inbox.
Former Newcastle Knights player Alex McKinnon has reportedly launched legal proceedings against the NRL for the tackle that left him paralysed in 2014.
According to News Corp, McKinnon sent a legal letter to the NRL last week to instigate proceedings for compensation. It is reported that Melbourne Storm's Jordan McLean, who made the tackle, will also be personally pursued.
Alex McKinnon to sue NRL after tackle left him paralysed
Former Newcastle Knights player has reportedly launched legal proceedings against the NRL for the tackle that left him paralysed in 2014. Vision: Channel Seven
ARLC chairman John Grant says he still expects to be in his current role in the next five years despite murmurs he's under pressure from high-ranking NRL club officials.
Alex McKinnon to sue NRL after tackle left him paralysed
Former Newcastle Knights player has reportedly launched legal proceedings against the NRL for the tackle that left him paralysed in 2014. Vision: Channel Seven
McLean was suspended for seven-games for the dangerous throw that led to McKinnon's paralysis.
He is currently employed indirectly by the NRL, as he works in player-recruitment for the NRL-owned Knights.Â
Compensation claim: Alex McKinnon has reportedly launched a legal claim against the NRL and Melbourne Storm's Jordan McLean. Photo: Jonathan Carroll JCA
It is believed that NRL chief Todd Greenberg was made aware of a compensation claim six weeks ago in a meeting with McKinnon. He reportedly told McKinnon to "do what you have to do" during the meeting, which was reported as cordial.
At the time of his injury, then NRL boss Dave Smith promised McKinnon a job in rugby league for life.
Advertisement
It is an unprecedented move to launch legal proceedings against a governing body for compensation for an injury suffered in the sport. Individual players have been pursued in the past, but never the NRL as a body.
The Melbourne Storm have also been made aware of the letter to the NRL and the impending lawsuit.
He joins Ben Pomeroy, Albert Kelly, Dean Collis, Broderick Wright, Josh Cordoba, Isaac Gordon, Paul Aiton, Nathan Gardner, Stewart Mills, Nathan Stapleton and Stuart Flanagan; none of whom are still contracted to the club.
Fairfax Media
Save articles for later.
Subscribe for unlimited access to news. Login to save articles.
Return to the homepage by clicking on the site logo.