- Terrifying incident unfolded recently at his home
The footy world is coming together to wish Newcastle Knights cult hero Owen Craigie well, after it was revealed he recently suffered a stroke whilst sleeping.
Craigie, 48, has opened up about the terrifying medical episode, which has left him in hospital for the past fortnight.
‘It’s scary to think what could have happened,’ he told The Newcastle Herald.
‘They (medical professionals) 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.
‘They rushed me to the John Hunter [Hospital] where they found a bleed on the left side of my brain.
Footy great Owen Craigie recently suffered a terrifying stroke in his sleep
The Newcastle Knights cult hero (pictured) has been treated in hospital for the last two weeks
Craigie was part of the Knights 1997 premiership-winning team (pictured, in an ARL match against Western Suburbs)
Fans have taken to social media to wish Craigie a smooth recovery.
‘Very skilful player, wish him a speedy recovery,’ one wrote.
‘All the best to you Owen,’ another added.
‘Best wishes for a speedy recovery mate,’ a third fan posted.
Craigie played 153 first grade matches in Australia, and won the 1997 ARL title with Newcastle.
He became the youngest player ever to debut for the team, at just 16 years old.
Craigie also has the honour of being known as the ‘most naturally talented player’ NRL Immortal Andrew Johns ever played with.
In 2022, Craigie revealed he gambled $2million on poker machines and horses following a marriage breakdown and battle with his mental health.
The father of three now runs the Big OC foundation, which helps people battle addiction and suicidal thoughts.
