I can feel my legs, says McKinnon

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INJURED Newcastle Knights star Alex McKinnon has spoken publicly for the first time since his horrific neck injury, revealing he is experiencing further movement in his arms and has feeling in his legs.

Currently undertaking rehabilitation in a Sydney hospital, McKinnon spoke via video (watch above) about his long road to recovery, offering his thanks for the support he has received from his family, his teammates, the Newcastle Knights club and the general public.

TRANSCRIPT: INTERVIEW IN FULL

BENNETT: ALEX MORE LIKE MY SON

First pics of Alex McKinnon's recovery. Picture: Newcastle Knights Source: Supplied

The courageous backrower, who had two operations to repair multiple neck fractures and was in an induced coma for almost a week after being stretchered off following a tackle during a game against Melbourne, says it is only "a matter of time" before he is able to get more movement in his legs.

First pics of Alex McKinnon's recovery. Picture: Newcastle Knights Source: Supplied

"It's been a pretty tough month but there is a lot of improvements and those are the things that are keeping me going," McKinnon said.

"I've got a great family and they've been here every day. I've got a great partner.

"I think it was only last night I was saying: 'I wish I could do something else, I wish I was better'. And she said: 'You are better compared to two weeks ago. You were lying in a bed in Melbourne'."

First pics of Alex McKinnon's recovery. Picture: Newcastle Knights Source: Supplied

"I've obviously come a long way in the four weeks, I've got a lot more movement back in my right arm and a lot of movement back in my left arm.

"It's just a matter of time before I hopefully get more movement in my legs. I've got a great sensation of feeling through my legs. It's a lot of positive signs."

McKinnon said he is likely to spend at least another two months in Sydney's Royal North Shore hospital undergoing rehabilitation.

Alex McKinnon and partner Teigan Power. Source: Facebook

"Yeah that's right I'm here in Sydney in rehab and I'll hopefully stay here for about two months," he said.

"It entails two sessions a day of physio which is pretty much just getting my legs moving and my arms moving.

"Obviously not moving much during the day in the last four weeks, they're a bit stiff so it does help a lot getting them moving - a lot of occupational therapy which is a lot of picking up small things.

Alex McKinnon scores a try. Source: News Limited

"I was playing Connect Four yesterday which was fun, frustrating though, but fun, and just trying to do little things like that.

"Rehab's good here. It's a very nice place and I'm very lucky. I've got to hopefully go over to Ryde after two months and start a few little other things there and hopefully the progression keeps going."

McKinnon says being away from teammates has been tough and he cried watching a clip of the emotional tribute afforded to him by the club when the Knights played Cronulla more than three weeks ago.

Dragons fans hold up a sign in support of Alex McKinnon. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

"One of the things I miss the most is seeing the boys and being around them," he said.

"Them coming down makes me so happy, it really makes my day. It makes my week to tell you the truth.

"Even some of the things they've done for me. Even the Cronulla game, I still haven't watched the game. I've watched maybe a clip of it that went for about two minutes and I was in tears straight away.

"They've been very strong for me and having them here is unbelievable - I love seeing them."

McKinnon says the support he has received since the injury has been a massive help towards his recovery.

Newcastle players form a huddle in respect for injured player Alex McKinnon. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

"I've been pretty overwhelmed with the support to tell you the truth," he said.

"I didn't expect it and I'm really overwhelmed by it all. Once we get through this little journey I really do entail going to see everyone.

"I'd love to thank everyone that's put their hand out to help, and I'm sure will still put their hand out and help in a few months' time.

Alex McKinnon trains with the Knights. Source: News Limited

"Even the nurses down in Melbourne, they had me for two weeks. I'd love to go down to the Alfred Hospital and see them. I can't emphasise how much I really do appreciate the support and how much it is helping me, even with cards or messages from people in Sweden or New Zealand or people that don't know me.

Newcastle fans hold signs in respect for injured player Alex McKinnon. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

"At the start it was pretty overwhelming; I was in tears a fair bit. I didn't understand why so many people wanted to help me. Wayne (coach Bennett) made it pretty clear to me about why so many people wanted to help and I really would like to thank them eventually once I'm back."

McKinnon says the support from his family and his fiancé Teigan Power has been a constant.

"I would really like to thank my mum and dad and obviously my partner Teigan," he said.

"They've obviously got a job still and their work's been unbelievable with giving them time (off).

"Teigan's still got uni and her job and people at the Sunny Side (Tavern) have really looked after her and just being able to have them by my side for the last four weeks has helped me the most.

Alex McKinnon announces his engagement to Teigan Power. Source: Instagram

"I've got an unbelievable family and I could never thank them enough.

"I would really like to thank the Newcastle Knights. They've been a great help for me and especially my family the last four weeks, just really looking after them with accommodation and the little things.

"Hopefully, I get to see them all soon and everyone else at a game which I'd really enjoy."

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