Timana Tahu is walking proof of the life-changing impact organ and tissue donation can have and he's urging more people to register for the cause.
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Tahu, a marquee recruit for Wellington in Group 11 this season, will be on hand at Kennard Park on Sunday when the Cowboys combine with the Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (WACHS) take part in Donate Life week and and promote organ and tissue donation awareness.
Former Australian dual-code representative Tahu spoke to WACHS about the cause this week, speaking of how he received an Achilles tendon donation late in his own career.
With previous knee and hamstring injuries the surgeon recommended a donor to Tahu, in order to increase recovery time while decreasing the risk of further injury.
"I was at the back-end of my career and wanted to get back on the field so I chose the donor. It was a dead man's Achilles I got put in," Tahu said.
"I didn't find out who the family was but I was very grateful because it extended my career for another three years.
"I'll be forever grateful and now I'm still active and play for the Wellington Cowboys so being an organ donor means a lot to people like me, as a professional athlete, and for people who are needing donated organs.
"If our mob gets in an donates their organs you're not only going to change someone's life, you're going to change their lifestyle as well."
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Sunday will see WACHS have registrations available for any community members interested in registering to become an organ donor.
On the field, Tahu and his Cowboys will do battle with the Forbes Magpies.
The Magpies didn't play last week after receiving a forfeit from Westside while Wellington overcame a slow start to trounce Macquarie at Apex Oval.
A win would guarantee a second-placed finish for Wellington on the ladder and ensure passage through to the qualifying semi-final against minor premiers Dubbo CYMS.
The action stats with league tag at 11am on Sunday, while first grade is expected to kick-off at 2.30pm.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
