Rugby League – Overcoming tragedy sees Clinton in NRL Grand Final

Clinton O’Connor of Brewarrina will run onto the field for an NRL Grand Final this Sunday as a member of the Disability Newtown Jets PHOTO TWH

When Clinton O’Connor takes to the football field this Sunday, he’ll be the first person from Brewarrina to play in an NRL Grand Final.

It’s not just any grand final though – to pull on the jersey for this event, you must pay some hefty dues.

Ten years ago, Clinton was doing what most other 18-year-olds did at the weekend – he watched a local footy game, had a few drinks with his mates and then hopped on the back of a motorcycle for the trip home.

On one fateful day Clinton didn’t make it home. The bike hit a pedestrian barrier and Clinton suffered catastrophic injuries to his leg.

He was flown to Dubbo Base Hospital where doctors told him his leg couldn’t be saved and had to be amputated. There and then, his carefree teenage years came to an abrupt halt.

Read more in the printed edition of the Western Herald.