Rugby College: "His father is just beside himself, they did everything together": Club ...

Curtis Landers broke the c2 and c3 vertebrae in his neck on Saturday

The injury came during an ‘awkward tackle’ in a junior rugby league game

He is currently in a stable but serious condition and cannot move his legs

Club official says Curtis is the best talent he’s seen in almost 10 years

By

Emily Crane

and Lillian Radulova

Published:

17:25, 26 May 2014

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Updated:

11:28, 27 May 2014

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A 15-year-old boy who broke his neck carrying out a tackle in a rugby league game may face 12 months in hospital after losing movement in his legs.

Curtis Landers fractured two vertebrae in his neck when he made a tackle during a junior game at Port Macquarie on Saturday.

The Forster teenager is currently in a serious but stable condition at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital after he was flown from Port Macquarie to undergo surgery.

$Curtis Landers fractured two vertebrae in his neck when he made a tackle during a junior game at Port Macquarie on Saturday$

Curtis Landers fractured two vertebrae in his neck when he made a tackle during a junior game at Port Macquarie on Saturday

Curtis gained movement in his arms following the operation but he is still unable to move both of his legs. He is now using a tube to help him breathe after his broken c2 and c3 vertebrae placed pressure on his spinal cord and diaphragm. Â

It believed the promising football player will be moved to Westmead Children’s Hospital in the coming days.

Aaron Temple, president of Curtis’ football club Forster-Tuncurry Hawks, said his stint in hospital would be long-term.

‘He’s looking at 12 months in hospital,’ he told MailOnline.

Curtis’ parents, Kevin and Marie, are understood to be struggling with news of their son’s accident.

‘His father is just beside himself. They did everything together, they were very close. They are taking it very tough,’ Mr Temple said.

The 15-year-old is currently in a serious but stable condition at Sydney

The 15-year-old is currently in a serious but stable condition at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital after he was flown from Port Macquarie to undergo surgery

The ‘freak’ accident happened at 8.45am on Saturday as Curtis’ team took on the Port City Breakers.

Paramedics said he was injured in an attempted tackle when another player fell on him awkwardly.

‘Curtis was making the tackle. He could have made the same tackle one hundred other times,’ Mr Temple said.

‘There was nothing to be done to prevent it and there was no malice involved.’

Players from both sides are being offered counselling with many traumatised by the accident.

‘It is just a tragic thing to happen. He’s a high calibre football player who could definitely go to the next level,’ Mr Temple said.

‘In the last seven or eight years, he’s the best prospect I’ve seen. His talent is phenomenal and he’s such a humble young man.’

It believed the promising football player will be moved to Westmead Children

It believed the promising football player will be moved to Westmead Children’s Hospital in the coming daysÂ

A Facebook page set up by his friends has been providing regular updates from his family.

‘He drifts in and out of consciousness but is getting all the messages! He is sedated to prevent him from moving and has halo traction! He has a bit of feeling but he also has a long road ahead of him – he will be down there for months!’ the page said.

‘Curt had a really good night sleep. He has had some blood tests to find out what’s causing his high temperature and he’s having a MRI scan today. The nurses are doing a great job of looking after him. Keep up the support the family appreciate it!!!’

The latest update, written late on Monday evening, revealed that Curtis was slowly making progress.

‘Curts breathing is improving. He will be moved to Westmead Children’s hospital over the next few days as once he can move out of intensive care he will be with kids his own age instead of senior patients,’ the update read.

Just two months ago, Newcastle Knights player Alex McKinnon, 22, suffered a similar injury when he fractured his c4 and c5 vertebrae.Â

‘Iâ€™ve been told Alex’s parents will be put in touch with Curtisâ€™ parents,’ Mr Temple said.

The Forster-Tuncurry Hawks club is now looking at ways to fundraise for Curtis to help cover the potentially high medical costs.

$Only two months ago, Newcastle Knights player Alex McKinnon, 22, suffered a similar injury in which fractures to his c4 and c5 vertebrae have left him unable to walk$

Only two months ago, Newcastle Knights player Alex McKinnon, 22, suffered a similar injury in which fractures to his c4 and c5 vertebrae have left him unable to walk