Hope the tonic for Ben Ross
March 19th 2009 08:21
Cronulla Sharks forward Ben Ross faces an uncertain future in the NRL after rupturing a spinal disk against the Panthers last weekend. In the midst of the doom and gloom however, Ross remains optimistic his rugby league days are far from over.
Ross underwent surgery yesterday to repair spinal damage that could have left the 28 year old forward in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
Not that this has deterred Ross from returning to the football field in 2010.
While season 2009 has come and gone for Ross, the former QLD Origin forward can take heart from the fact others that have been in his position have returned to competition quiet successfully.
Sydney Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello had a three year battle with spinal injuries after he won the 2005 golden boot award.
He went on to miss most of the 2006,07 and 2008 seasons before making a successful return to the NRL late last year.
Former Wallabies forward Toutai Kefu suffered a serious neck injury in a test match against the Springboks in 2003.
Although Kefu missed the Rugby Union world cup that same year, the Tongan born forward eventually returned to action the following season for Japanese outfit, the Kubota Spears.
Kefu is still playing for the Spears in the top flight of Japanese Rugby, despite being 35 years of age.
Indeed both Minichiello and Kefu have proven that any player can return from a serious neck injury and still be able to play League and Union.
This is the tonic Ross will need to use if he is to succeed in his year long journey to recovery.
Ross knows the road to recovery will be a long and tumultuous one that will throw up its fair share of challenges.
He may even reconsider his decision to return to the NRL next year. He might instead hang up his boots to spend more time with his family.
But for a man that has won a premiership with the Panthers, played six Origins for QLD and been voted the sexiest man in league in 2005, Ross knows his passion for Rugby League is still worth fighting for, no matter what the circumstances.
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