ALEX McKinnon has convinced the NRL to drop ‘Rise For Alex Round” this year in the belief that other rugby league players who have been devastated by catastrophic injury also deserve support and financial assistance.

McKinnon, whose life changed forever when he suffered a career-ending spinal injury last March while playing for the Newcastle Knights, was the recipient of widespread community support during last year’s designated ‘Rise For Alex round.’

More than $1 million in proceeds went to McKinnon, who with his inspiring attitude is striving to overcome the odds of life in a wheelchair against the strain of covering costs for his full-time care, which will rise above $200,000 a year for the rest of his life.

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media_camera Players whose careers were ended by injury, like Taniela Tuiaki, could benefit.

However, despite the NRL’s eagerness to continue with a second Rise For Alex round during this season, McKinnon had a wish and approached both Newcastle and NRL officials in February to explain that he felt it was inappropriate that the public would be asked to again put their hands in their pockets for him. He feared other players as equally deserving would be missing out on an opportunity to receive much-needed financial support.

“Given the amazing support I received, it just wouldn’t be right,’’ McKinnon told The Daily Telegraph.

“While I would give it all back in a heartbeat to have my old life back, I will never forget the support I received from so many wonderful people and the entire rugby league community. But there are plenty of other players who need help also.

“The costs accumulate pretty quickly, so if the NRL and the public can throw their support around other players who need that help, as they did for me, that’s what I would like to see come from the round.’’

media_camera Former Wests Tigers player Simon Dwyer is still coming to terms with an arm injury.

As a result of McKinnon’s request, the NRL are poised to announce that round 19 will be renamed Men of League Heritage Round — a charity round to raise funds for seriously injured players and their families.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that during the upcoming round 19 weekend:

* A portion of each ticket sold will go to help injured players in the game;

* An Injured Players Foundation will be implemented to determine the funding model for injured players;

* The funds are likely to go to players who suffer “catastrophic” injuries, which not only end their football career, but any career post-football; and

* Separately, the NRL has also formed a partnership with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia, which will use a portion of the funds to help players and their families in the initial stages of an injury for expenses including accommodation, counselling and hospital accommodation.

A string of NRL players have had their careers cut short by devastating injury in recent years including Wests Tigers duo Simon Dwyer and Taniela Tuiaki.

Dwyer’s right arm has not moved since being injured in a tackle while playing for the Tigers in 2011.

Tuiaki can no longer stand straight on his ankle and limps when he walks, after three operations.

Both players were forced into premature retirement with their once active lives now a blur of physiotherapy appointments and medical expenses.