Cannon Vows to Return

Cannon vows to return

By Jon Geddes

April 10, 2007 12:00
Article from: The Daily Telegraph



AFTER surviving every player's worst nightmare when he was carried from the field in a neck brace, Wallaby hooker Brendan Cannon has set his sights on a remarkable comeback.

The 34-year-old says he doesn't just want to play rugby again – but be back on the field within a month to continue his push for World Cup selection.

The Test veteran was left prone on the ground after a frightening scrum collapse during Saturday night's game in Christchurch between the Force and the Crusaders.

Cannon yesterday revealed what a relief it was just to be able to get out of his hospital bed on Sunday morning and take his first tentative steps following the injury.

"I am very optimistic of being able to play for the Force in the Super 14 again this year," Cannon said from Christchurch.

"I think it's fair to say I probably wouldn't be available for selection for the next two games."

But it was only three nights ago rugby supporters around the world feared the worst – including Cannon's pregnant wife Fi who was at home in Perth watching the game.

As he was being treated on Jade Stadium Cannon's thoughts immediately went to Fi and how she must have felt seeing the drama unfold but helpless to do anything.

She is due to give birth to the couple's second child in three weeks.

"It's certainly not an ideal situation for anyone to see their partner or loved one in that position," he said. "When we came off the field I got our team physio Greg Mullins to call Fi – because I knew she would be freaking out – and let her know he was in good care and reasonably comfortable and would speak to her as soon as I could.

"He was standing near me and I am sure she could hear my voice."

Minutes after the incident injured Force prop Angus Scott arrived on the doorstep of the Cannon's Perth home and stayed with Fi until early morning.

Cannon yesterday re-lived the terrifying scrum collapse which literally went straight to ground with his pack shunted to a 45 degree angle.

"I took all the force on my left shoulder and left side of my head and neck – that just caused immediate burning and loss of feeling in my left arm," he said.

"But I wiggled my toes, wiggled my fingers on my left arm and in myself knew that whilst something serious had happened, I was comfortable with the fact that I was able to get that feeling.

"I did that to get that piece of mind, I was not tempted to move my arm or body in any way."

Cannon has been encouraged to know he had not suffered a new injury, rather the recurrence of a pre-existing one.

"I was uneasy yesterday having been through that experience and then having the night that I did in hospital," he said.

"Physically today I feel a lot of discomfort in my left arm and the numbness and loss of strength are still very evident."

He will fly back to Perth today and consult the specialist who operated on his neck last year.

"At the moment everything is indicating that a return to rugby is looking promising, but if I am given medical advice that it would be to my detriment, I would be a fool to go against that," he said.

Since the accident he has been lifted by the support he has received.

Force media boss Tom Baddeley spent all Saturday night in a chair by Cannon's hospital beside.

Cannon understands people questioning why he would contemplate playing again especially after his ordeal was played out so publicly.

"But I would love to, if I am able to, get back and play and feel I still have something to contribute to Western Force and Australian rugby," he said.

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Just on a side issue check out the paragraphs I have highlighted in bold and italic - How cool is this team???

onya Gus......good mate..

Way to go Tom Baddeley, that is commitment to your boys!

I really really hope Brendan can come back, it's obviously in his heart to do so, I damn near cried when I found out it was him (my eyes are shot - needed Lonzy to inform me who was on the ground not moving).

all up to his doctor now...

and his wife and friends

Very impressive stuff by Tom and Gus. It is a pretty impressive "culture" they are building.

Best wishes to Brendan and either way I hope he has some input to our future success even if it's not on the field. I think Darwin left a position vacant when he left which has not been fullfilled.