Dungog Junior Rugby League Football Club (DJRLFC) rallied behind McKinnon who had a life-changing injury only a couple of months after coming to town for a coaching clinic.

The 22-year-old visited Dungog with coach Wayne Bennett in late February with three other teammates to conduct a coaching clinic for the juniors.

It was only a month later he was injured in a tackle while playing football and is now a quadriplegic.

DJRLFC secretary Lindy Hunt said the club had a meeting not long after the accident and decided to hold a fundraiser.

“Initially we were going to split the profits with half to Alex and half to our club, but when we knew it was going to be a long journey we decided to give all of it to him,” Lindy said.

“I managed to get Danny Buderus as guest speaker and Keith Onslow from the Country Rugby League was emcee.

“Former Newcastle Knights’ players Ashley Gordon and Owen Craigie also came along and were interviewed by Keith.”

 “We were hoping to raise $10,000, maybe $15,000, but we are blown away with $20,000,” Lindy said.

“The final tally hasn’t been added up as yet as there are a few bills to pay, but there was very spirited bidding for the auction prizes.

“One of the best things was James Lovegrove putting the prizes up online for online bidding prior to the event.

“I found that NRL clubs outside the area and AFL clubs were very eager to help.

“The Melbourne Storm was particularly generous with a match day “Inner Sanctum” experience for four people at a Storm home game.

“The Newcastle Knights were particularly generous too.”

Buderus was very popular on the night and was happy to sign autographs and pose for photos.

An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative hooker, he played for the  Knights, with whom he won a Dally M Medal and the 2001 NRL premiership before setting a new record for most games with the club.

Buderus also played in Super League for English club, the Leeds Rhinos, with whom he won 2011's Super League XVI.

He set the record for most appearances as captain of the New South Wales State of Origin team at 15 and for most consecutive appearances for the side at 21.

Now an ambassador for the Knights, he was interviewed on stage by Keith Onslow and spoke about his playing history, his life now and his bond with Alex McKinnon.

Former Knights Ashley Gordon and Owen Craigie were also interview and larrikin jockey Alan Robinson assisted Kel Sullivan and Tavis Chivers with the auctions.

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