A Heartbreaking Journey
The rugby league community has come together to support Owen Craigie, a former Newcastle Knights premiership winner, after he suffered a stroke. Craigie, who made history as the youngest player to debut for the Knights at just 17 years old, has been in hospital for the past two weeks following a stroke that left the right side of his body paralyzed.
During an appearance on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behavior, Andrew Johns, a former teammate of Craigie’s, shared his concerns about the situation. Johns mentioned that he had spoken to Craigie on the phone on Thursday and described the severity of his condition.
“I gave him a ring, he’s in a real fight. He had the bleed on the left side of his brain as big as a … 10-cent piece,” Johns said. “Because he couldn’t move his right hand and leg he said his phone was a fair way away and it took him ages to get it. He called someone and they called the ambulance. He’s in therapy at the moment. He’s trying to learn how to use his right arm and leg again.”
A Personal Account
Craigie spoke to The Newcastle Herald earlier in the week about his experience. “It’s scary to think what could have happened,” he said. “They said I’m lucky to be alive. I just fell asleep on the lounge and when I woke up, the whole right side of my body was paralysed. My memory was shot and I was totally disoriented.”
He was rushed to the John Hunter Hospital, where doctors discovered a bleed on the left side of his brain. Craigie, who is 48 years old, is currently recovering at Belmont Hospital’s stroke ward, which is about 30 minutes from Newcastle.
Recovery Process
Craigie explained that he is starting to regain some feeling in his body and is undergoing treatment. “They treated it with medication but for four or five days, I couldn’t move my right side. I’m gradually getting the feeling back but there is still a bit of a way to go. I’m having physio two or three times a day.”
While he praised the efforts of the nurses and doctors, Craigie expressed his desire to return home. “The nurses and doctors have been great but I’m keen to get home.”
A Legacy on the Field
Craigie played a total of 168 first-grade games between 1995 and 2005, representing several teams including the Newcastle Knights, Wests Tigers, South Sydney, and Widnes in the UK Super League. He was part of the Knights’ historic first premiership win in 1997 against Manly.
His journey through this difficult time has captured the attention and support of the entire rugby league community. As he continues his recovery, fans and fellow players are rallying around him, showing their solidarity and hope for his full recovery.
Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.
