8 hours ago
22
Back in 2023, Gold Coast Titans youngster Joseph Pouniu received the heartbreaking news that he may never walk again.
At the age of 16, the inspiring forward, who had been destined for a glittering career in the NRL, suffered a catastrophic spinal injury during a trial match just two weeks before his 17th birthday.
The Queenslander was diagnosed as a quadriplegic and spent a year in hospital recovering from the injury.
But he is refusing to let let that define him.
'I have to take this battle in life head on and that's what I will do,' Pouniu said to The Courier Mail.
'That's my attitude.'
Pouniu had been widely hailed as a star for the future. The talented footy player had been set to sign a three-year deal worth around $400,000 with the Titans just weeks before the injury agonisingly cut his NRL career short.
The youngster from St Eugene College in Burpengary had been the captain of the 'Future Titans' U17 side and was playing in a trial match against the Brisbane Broncos U17 side in Burleigh, when the accident took place.
Joseph Pouniu (pictured) returned to work for the Gold Coast Titans earlier this year after suffering a career-ending spinal injury at the age of 16
Pouniu was the best afield in the first half of the match, using his strength to punch holes through the Broncos' defensive line.
In the second half, Pouniu was chasing down a Brisbane player who had gone through unopposed to his side's tryline. He sprinted back and dived to try and tackle his opponent but crashed into a goalpost.
'I don't remember much,' Pouniu said to The Courier Mail, recounting the incident.
'I just remember going in for the tackle and the next minute I was lying on my back.
'I was looking up at the sky. I was in shock. I wasn't sure what was happening. As a footballer, you get those knocks and niggles.
'I thought it would just be another injury, but it didn't hit me until I was in ICU (Intensive Care Unit).
'I didn't understand what a spinal-cord injury was. I started to wake up in hospital and it was scary. I was scared being such a young kid, seeing IV (intravenous) poles and that sort of stuff.'
He would later undergo emergency surgery to reattach his C4 and C5 discs to his spinal cord. Heartbreakingly, he was told by the doctors that he may never walk again.
The Queenslander was diagnosed as a quadriplegic and spent a year in hospital recovering from the injury.
The 19-year-old, who will celebrate his 20th birthday in February, has just got a new flat on the Gold Coast having also recently secured a new job working with his former club the Titans
'It's hard to describe in words. People who go through disabilities and any form of mental health, it can take a toll on your body and your mental state.'
The 19-year-old, who will celebrate his 20th birthday in February, has just got a new flat on the Gold Coast, having also recently secured a new job working with his former club the Titans.
A fundraising page has been started to help Pouniu recover from his injury. The fundraiser has raised over $1.1million.
In August, it was revealed the youngster had returned to the NRL side, taking up a role within the team's football department as a video analyst.
'Footy was a big part of my life and now it's more the mental side of it. You don't see people teaching others about their mental capacity being a massive part of who you are as a person and how you deal with some different scenarios that are thrown up in life,' the inspiring footy lover explained.'
Speaking on his new job, the youngster added: 'That's my passion now. To help the next generation of kids play NRL.
'The Titans have been a massive part of my journey and I can't be thankful enough for what they have done for me.
'I just want to give back.'
Joseph is now hoping to inspire the next generation of aspiring NRL players to reach the top level
Pouniu is also doing a business course at the club, which he says is helping him create more opportunities away from the club.
Titans head of recruitment Anthony Laffranchi hailed the 19-year-old for his positive outlook on life and his commitment to work.
'He would hate me saying it, but every Monday, it's an exciting part of the week when Joey comes in because he lights up the building. He has an impact on everyone here,' Laffranchi said of Pouniu.
'His attitude to work is phenomenal. Joey was a very smart player and the way he looks at players, I get him to cut up tapes and he sends back everything I'm looking for.
'Not many kids have his football brain at such a young age. His understanding of the game and talent ID is quite impressive.
'As tough as it is to listen to Joey's story, and I could never imagine it myself, his strength is taking the next challenge on.'
The humble footy player is now also playing wheelchair rugby league.
'I have had a few comps, I'm enjoying it.'
