- Diagnosed a quadriplegic after 2023 incident
- Crashed into a goalpost, shattered C4 and C5 discs
- Now employed by the Titans as a video analyst
Paralysed teenager Joseph Pouniu has returned to the Gold Coast Titans after suffering ‘catastrophic’ spinal injuries when representing the NRL club during a trial match in 2023.
Pouniu, 19, has started a role with the football department as a video analyst – and wants to eventually play wheelchair rugby league.
In February of 2023, his life was turned upside down aged 16 after crashing into a goal post mid-match.
The youngster – considered an elite talent destined to play first grade – was rushed to Brisbane for emergency surgery to stabilise his neck and reattach the C4 and C5 discs to his spinal cord.
The Titans have stood by Pouniu since the incident, raising more than $1.2million to assist the teenager going forward in his life.
‘Before the injury, this is where I wanted to be and it’s good to be a part of it again,’ he told the Titans in an interview via the club’s website.
‘I’ve made so much progress. To be able to move my arms and do daily activities has been massive.
‘Adjusting to this new lifestyle has been a big journey, but I’ve got to keep pushing forward.
Paralysed teenager Joseph Pouniu has returned to the Gold Coast Titans after suffering ‘catastrophic’ spinal injuries when representing the NRL club during a trial match in 2023
His life was turned upside down after crashing into a goal post mid-match leaving him a quadriplegic (pictured)
The youngster (pictured, playing for the Titans) was considered an elite talent destined to eventually play first grade
‘(Titans video analyst Chris Kulen) has been showing me the ropes. It’s pretty interesting.
‘It’s given me an appreciation of what happens behind the scenes. It’s pretty cool.’
Titans chairman Dennis Watt labelled Pouniu an ‘outstanding young man’ and that the club are delighted he has come on board as an analyst.
Diagnosed a quadriplegic, Pouniu is now inspired to play wheelchair rugby league.
‘I’ve been itching to get back on,’ he told News Corp.
‘It’s very exciting for myself to be back. I’m loving it. It’s awesome.’
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .