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INJURED Newcastle forward Alex McKinnon was poised to become one of the first players chosen for the Country Origin team this year had he not suffered a shocking neck injury.
Underlining the tragedy of McKinnon's injury, NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley had identified the 22-year-old as a representative star of the future.
Daley also took umbrage at critics who have used McKinnon's freakish neck injury as a platform to slam the NRL as too dangerous.
Matt Groat, Jack Stockwell and Alex McKinnon in uniform for the NSW under-16 team. Source: News Limited
McKinnon made his Country Origin debut last year, at the age of 21. With an increasing reputation, highlighted by the promise of a new two-year deal with the Knights, McKinnon's career was on a clear path towards higher representative honours, according to Daley.
"He was in the Country team last year and would've been there again this year, no doubt,'' Daley said.
"I think everyone realises he's someone that has been on the radar, so he would've played in that game and he was someone we identified as who in the next couple of years could go on and play at that level.
"It's heartbreaking.''
Joseph Roqoko celebrates his match winning try with Alex McKinnon in U18's Origin. Source: News Limited
In the days following McKinnon's injury, debate has quickly turned to the safety of rugby league as a sport.
Daley was quick to shoot down the knockers, claiming he would never allow his son to play rugby league, if he ever thought the code wasn't safe.
"I allow my boy to play so if I didn't think it was safe I wouldn't allow him to play,'' Daley said.
"I believe it's safe, but my thoughts are on Alex McKinnon.
"I thought it was an accident. I don't think the kid (Jordan McLean) mean to put him in that position.
"I think the focus should be on Alex and his family. It should be about him making a full recovery and everyone thinking about that rather than everyone thinking about whether this kid should be suspended and whether there should be rule changes.''
Alex McKinnon of the Knights is carried off an a stretcher. Source: Getty Images
NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle was reluctant to expand on McKinnon's situation when asked why Melbourne Storm forward Jordan McLean was stood down for one match despite not yet facing the match review committee for his role in the tackle.
"At this point in time obviously our thoughts are with Alex and his family. Our focus is very much on his welfare,'' Doyle said.
Asked if there was equally as much concern for Mclean's welfare, Doyle said: "Our welfare guys are working with both Newcastle and Melbourne and all the players.''
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