Our Hero
What a week it's been for Wolves' Paul Wood.
If you don't know the story where've you been? The prop forward hit the headlines far and wide following Saturday's Grand Final at Old Trafford, but not for the reasons you may think.
This story has captured the interest of 3News in New Zealand, WISN in Milwaukee and Fox Sports in California to name but a few.
The team put up a good fight against Leeds Rhinos coming up just short 18-26 but Paul fought harder than most.
He suffered a direct blow with a knee rupturing one of his testicles which resulted in it needing to be removed.
Despite sustaining the injury only minutes into the second half of Saturday's big match against Leeds, Paul stayed on the pitch for his stint and is now becoming recognised as one of the toughest men in sport.
Paul has been a Warrington player since making his debut back in 2000 and is just two games away from his 300th club appearance, and with 2013 in his sights this won't take long.
‘Woody' has always been known for his jovial nature and as a hard-hitting forward and tough competitor down the middle of the field but on Saturday he certainly went above and beyond proving his utmost commitment to his team-mates and the club.
On behalf of all associated with the club we must commend Paul on the bravery he has shown.
Paul is recovering well and said: "I'm just trying to carry on as normal. I'm not in too much pain so I'm just trying to get on with everything.
"I've had loads of media interest from all over the world: New Zealand, Australia and America, it's been a big story. It's good that the sport is getting some recognition, it's the most that I've seen Rugby League get in the press. It's good that it's being recognised for the type of sport it is. It's a tough game and I think all rugby lads deserve some recognition, it's just a shame it had to come about in this way!"
Many have started to label Paul as the toughest man in sport but he is remaining modest on this.
"It's good to read that but I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm the toughest man in sporting history as I think one paper said. All rugby players go through a lot of pain and play with injuries so I'm not the only one it's just that I'm getting some interest as it happened in a Grand Final."
And of course there's been a bit of banter amongst his team-mates.
"They've been really supportive and sympathetic but we've had a laugh about it too. They've taken the mickey a little bit but they've also said that if I need anything then feel free to give them a ring. "
It all came down to the power of adrenaline on Saturday and playing on the big stage at Old Trafford.
"It was a Grand Final and I just wanted to do my job. I wanted to put everything into it and I was desperate to win the trophy so I just thought ‘stay on as long as you can do, do your time stint and then you've got a lot of time to recover when you come off'. Adrenaline took over, I was in a lot of pain but I wanted to get through it and I knew I'd be off in 20 minutes.
"I've had my fair share of injuries but I didn't expect this. You expect injuries, it's just one of those things, that's sport I suppose. We know what we are letting ourselves in for before we get on that pitch!"
Wood's tale reaches far and wide:
11, Oct, 2012
