National 18's
DOWN BUT NOT OUT |
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| Fifteen year old Manly school boy, Mourice Kennedy, was told just two weeks ago he would never play a contact sport again. This week he is in Coffs Harbour at the 18 Years National Touch Championships supporting his identical twin brother, John and watching the New South Wales Combined High School teammates he would love to be playing alongside. Mourice suffered a severe neck injury two weeks ago playing rugby league. A perfectly legal tackle saw Mourice land on his head, before being crushed by his opposition. "It was just an accident, the other guy didn't me to hurt me," said Mourice. After spending three days in hospital, the former Under 16 Australian Secondary school team representative was told by doctors that he would never play his beloved game of rugby league again...but there was a tiny glimmer of hope. After two extensive operations, Doctors advised Mourice that if his recovery goes as planned he could be back playing touch in just six months. Although his recovery looks promising, Mourice is disappointed watching his brother play in the team he was also selected in, especially since it would have been their first representative tournament together. He is determined to continue his rapid recovery and eventually one day play rugby league again, but either way touch will still be an avenue he will pursue. "It's really frustrating watching John and my team play while I'm on the sideline. I'm pretty disappointed, but hopefully I can come back and play again," said Mourice. Brother John is equally disappointed and was looking forward to having the opportunity to play with his twin. They are both looking forward to the day in six weeks time when Mourice can remove his neck brace and his rehabilitation of physiotherapy can begin. By Lisa Plummer |
