Emotions were running high at Hunter Stadium ahead of Newcastle's clash with the Gold Coast, with Knights fans filling the stadium to show their support for Alex McKinnon.
Alex McKinnon wipes away tears as he's wheeled out by Kurt Gidley. Pic: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia
ALEX McKinnon was overcome by emotion as he was presented with a touching tribute in a Rise For Alex pre-game ceremony at Hunter Stadium.
Round 19 has been dedicated to raising funds to secure the future of the Newcastle forward struck down by a devastating spinal injury early this season.
Kurt Gidley wheels out Alex McKinnon. Pic: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia
The Knights and Titans come out onto Hunter Stadium with Alex McKinnon. Pic: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia
It's been a full and emotional week for the wheelchair-bound 22-year-old who has become an inspiration for everyone in the NRL as well as the wider community.
And it reached a moving climax on Sunday afternoon as a packed Hunter Stadium gathered to pay tribute to their injured champion as the Knights hosted the Titans.
McKinnon was wheeled out onto the field by Knights captain Kurt Gidley as both sides walked onto the field to soak up the emotionally charged atmosphere created by the crowd.
As the fans began chanting "Alex, Alex, Alex" it was all too much for McKinnon, who repeatedly wiped tears from his face as the rousing reception rose across the stadium like a tidal wave.
Alex McKinnon is cheered onto the field. Pic: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia
"I didn't really know how I was going to handle it, to tell you the truth," McKinnon said at halftime after addressing the crowd.
"It was pretty full-on. I was trying to hold everything back, but at the end of the day I suppose my true self came out and there were a few tears but you can't help that can you?
"I'm very overwhelmed by the support. I'm very thankful.
"All the support from my mates at the club and Wayne (coach Wayne Bennett).
"The situation just shows that everyone comes out, that they care. Maybe they have been touched by what has been going on."
Boyd Cordner has spoken of the pride and inspiration he drew from wearing the number 16 jersey for his good mate Alex McKinnon in the Roosters' clash with the Panthers.
Four months after sustaining the spinal injury against Melbourne in round three, McKinnon was finally home.
"It's great to be back in Newcastle. I hope it helps the recovery," he said.
"Everyone's support does hit home for me.
"I'm happy to be back in Newcastle, happy to be back in the stadium.
"It feels right. It feels good to be back here.
"I suppose four months ago you go away to a game in round three and you wouldn't come back for four months.
Alex McKinnon sits between the two teams before kick off. Pic: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia
Alex McKinnon lines up with the teams before kick off. Pic: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia
Alex McKinnon struggles to contain his emotion. Pic: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia
"That is the feeling I got when I came back into Newcastle.
"I'm very happy to be back."
NRL boss Dave Smith paid tribute to McKinnon.
"I am proud to be associated with rugby league," he said.
"What we have seen is mateship and an extraordinary young man.
"We are all here for Alex."
More than 100,000 fans have streamed thought the turnstiles for the Rise For Alex round with more than $1 million expected to be raised towards McKinnon's recovery.
There was even a song, performed by the fittingly red haired Darryl Bowen, a friend of McKinnon's who wrote the song in his honour.
Alex McKinnon leaves the field after lining up with the teams before kick off. Pic: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia
McKinnon was also presented with a cheque for $300,000 in a half-time ceremony - the massive donation raised by a promotional campaign jointly spearheaded by Fox Sports and The Daily Telegraph.
And, while Hunter Stadium captured the mood of the day perfectly, social media was also filled with tributes for McKinnon, with the #RiseForAlex hashtag trending on Twitter and the thoughts of many celebrities and the general population expressed in heartfelt tweets.
- with AAP
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