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Alex McKinnon, the Newcastle Knights forward who had his career ended in a tragic on-field accident in late March, is closer to his dream of walking again after doctors found signs of muscle contractions in his legs.
The 22-year-old fractured two of his vertebrae when he landed on his head in a tackle involving Bromwich brothers Jesse and Kenny, and Jordan McLean, who was banned for his involvement.
![Alex McKinnon surprises his Newcastle Knights team-mates. ©Fox](https://i0.wp.com/www.totalrl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/McKinnon-in-changing-rooms-300x150.jpg?resize=300%2C150)
He was initially feared to be quadriplegic but has defied the odds and made lots of progress. In a statement released by the club, Alex said: “Had a few little changes… a lot more movement in my left arm.
“When I’m on a tilt table on my back with the physio, I’m starting to do these little squats. I was pretty stoked about that. That’s obviously a great thing when my goal is to be back walking. Obviously to have a bit of movement in my legs is massive for me and something that I will carry with me through the weeks where I don’t get much improvement.
“It’s going to be a tough ride and I realise next weekend I’m not going to be back to normal or even increasing. I realise it’s going to take a long time to realise where I’m at.
“One thing I’d really like to work on which I can’t really control [is] just to get back to simple things like answering a phone call or texting. Over the next few weeks, I would like to get my fingers back but, when you talk about things like this, I can’t control them. I’m very happy with what’s come back so far but, obviously, I’ve got a long way to go in the process.”