NRL player McKinnon diagnosed a quadriplegic

Sydney: Australian National Rugby League player Alex McKinnon, who broke his neck in a tackle last week, has been diagnosed as a quadriplegic, reports said Monday.

The 22-year-old Newcastle Knights forward emerged from an induced coma over the weekend following surgery to stabilise his neck following a lifting tackle by three Melbourne Storm players in a 28-20 defeat by the Storm last Monday. The diagnosis was first reported on the Nine Network and was confirmed late Monday by the New South Wales Country Rugby League (CRL) on its Facebook page. "Absolutely devastated by the news of Alex McKinnon. Doctors diagnosed Alex a quadriplegic. The Rugby League family is right behind you," the CRL wrote. Social media was awash with tributes to McKinnon from sporting figures with Australia Test cricket captain Michael Clarke leading the way. "Devastating news about Alex McKinnon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time," Clarke tweeted. One of Australia`s greatest Paralympians, Kurt Fearnley also paid his respects. "Extremely tough turn for Alex McKinnon. Grateful he`s still here. Life will never be the same for him, but he will be the same great human!" Fearnley said. Melbourne Storm forward Jordan McLean is scheduled to appear before the NRL judiciary on Wednesday. McLean was allowed to play for Storm against Canterbury Bulldogs on Saturday after initially being stood down by the NRL and is said to be distraught by the plight of McKinnon. Former Penrith Panthers player John Farragher became a quadriplegic in 1978 when a scrum collapsed on him during a Sydney club match against Newtown.