Unbroken : Life is More than a Game

by Alex McKinnon

Rugby League was Alex McKinnon’s life. Born into a football family, from five years old Alex played junior football with the Aberdeen Tigers at McKinnon Oval, a ground named after his grandfather.A talented and committed young player Alex made his NRL debut at 19. Having captaining the Junior Kangaroos, and establishing himself as an NRL player at 22 - Alex was clearly one of the leading players of his generation.However in the 39th minute of the Newcastle Knights vs Melbourne Storm game at AAMI Park in March last year Alex’s life changed forever. A tackle gone wrong damaging his spinal cord leaving him paralysed.In the days that followed Alex was told not only was his football career over, but he would likely never walk again. Like any young person in this situation - let alone a professional athlete – this was devastating.In UNBROKEN Alex talks of his thoughts and feelings during the those fateful moments on the field. With raw honesty he takes us through the painful first days and weeks in hospital, including his learning the tragic ramifications of his injury.From the struggle of these first days and weeks, those who know Alex best are not surprised at what happened next.Something of a rarity in modern professional sport, Alex has always shunned the temptations that often entrap young sportsmen. As Wayne Bennett said, “We play a tough game and Alex is a tough young man. Nobody’s fool. He doesn’t walk around trying to show he’s tough, but he is. And I’ve always loved his humility. Never seen him drunk. Not once. Never seen him do anything stupid. No one’s ever talked about Alex like that. He doesn’t wear his cap back-to-front, prefers country music and watches every game of footy every weekend. He’d rather sit down and talk to old blokes than prance around with rock stars.”Responding as he always does Alex put his shattered dreams aside and got on with building a new life - starting a degree at university, a new job with the NRL, and most importantly committing to doing everything he can to give himself the chance to one day walk again.Equally inspiring was the outpouring of support from the public. Alex received personal messages and donations from hundreds of thousands of everyday Australians - who though they had never met Alex - shared his pain and admired his courage. The highlight was the “Rise for Alex” campaign that featured the unprecedented dedication of an entire round of the NRL to Alex - raising over $1million in one weekend.The Alex McKinnon story at its heart is a true love story.The constant support that has made his life possible before and after the injury is his fiancée Teigan. Her love and commitment to Alex is part of his daily journey, a journey she agreed to share when Alex proposed marriage from his hospital bedside.Alex has written his book to share something with the thousands of people who have given him so much. It is surprising, thought provoking and inspiring.A few months before his injury Alex went back to Aberdeen with Wayne Bennett and spoke to his old high school.He talked about how hard it was for him to leave home, how much he missed his parents and friends, at the same time encouraging the students to have the courage to follow their dreams …and not to be afraid of the unknown.

Paperback

First published August 5, 2015

Reviews

[Lyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a rugby league fan of many years, I was aware of the incident that changed the life of Alex, and his family forever. I have only known of what happened afterwards through the media, so for me it was good, although heartbreaking, to read the story firsthand from Alex himself. We take so much for granted and until something like this happens, we never know how we would respond or deal with the outcome of such a tragic event. There were many passages in this book that I highlighted, lessons we can all learn, but it is the determination and strength of Alex to live his life the best way possible, not feeling sorry for himself that stuck with me. His compassion and desire to help others not only since the accident but prior to it, is testament to a fine young man that is well respected and admired by many. He came from good solid country stock which has stood him in good stead and now with the love of his life Teigan by his side, I wish them a happy and fulfilling life together.

[Jo Morris]

Review – Unbroken, Alex Mckinnon
Loved this insight into Alex, his extraordinary talent in rugby league from a young man, up to his tragic accident.  The book is a thoughtful and generous view into Alex’s thoughts and feelings before, and after his accident. We learn of his discipline and natural leadership.
I was particularly touched by his care and concern about you boys coming through rugby league, and fellow spinal injury sufferers who didn’t have the resources he did for such an expensive health and care costs.
Alex as a caring and empathetic friend, reminds us all of the importance of caring about each other.
I also gained an understanding into why players love Wayne Bennet from this.
An easy, worthwhile read.
 
 
 

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who works supporting people with spinal cord injuries and has a physical disability themselves, this one hit different.

Despite having a strong background in SCI and familiarity with the challenges it was heartbreaking to hear how much of an impact on Alex's life and it make you appreciate the littlest things in life that able-bodied people take for granted. I admire Alex for sharing his story as it has made me appreciate my work so much more.

Side note: I didn't appreciate Alex's mentions of Knights thrashing the Tigers on multiple occasions. Felt too harsh to knock off a star. I mean, Tigers are hopeless at the moment. He isn't wrong 🤷‍♀️

[Carolyn Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book needed a thorough proofread before printing, and yet, testimony to what a good story this is, I still couldn't put the book down. Alex, thanks for sharing, I feel changed after reading your words and thoughts. I read this book in a weekend and found it thought-provoking, interesting, and inspiring. Despite the unfortunate missed proofread, the book is very well written and structured. I would have given it 5-stars if it didn't have errors in it.

[M.G. Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read autobiographies, but I highly recommend this book to everybody. I am not a rugby league supporter, but I still found Alex's story compelling.

[Jamie O'regan · Rating 1 out of 5]

A lot of annoying grammar errors in the book.

An inspiring story nonetheless and i do hope that he gets better and his wishes to walk his fiance down the aisle come true.