Rhinos star to have heart surgery after stroke during training
The club say Zane Tetevano isn't able to return the field yet
Leeds Rhinos say Zane Tetevano isn't able to play contact sport yet - after a suffering a stroke in training.
He was taken to the LGI a few weeks ago, where the New Zealand international learned he has a hole in his heart.
That needs to be repaired with surgery.
He's thanked the staff for their help and is now fundraising for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
Commenting on the news Tetevano said, “Firstly, I would like to thank the club’s medical staff, the paramedics, doctors and nurses who looked after me when I collapsed.
"I knew I was in the best possible care and I owe them alot, especially our medical team, who reacted so quickly on the field, I will never know how lucky I was. I am confident that I will be ready to return to action as soon as I am cleared to do so.”
Leeds Rhinos Performance Director Richard Hunwicks added, “Zane is one the fittest players at the club and someone for whom training is such a big part of his life.
"It is important that he continues to train to give himself the best possible chance of making a full recovery.
"As a performance department, we always aim to work to options that the players can do when they are in periods of rehabilitation. He is unable to do normal contact training because of the medication he is on whilst awaiting surgery and has to train at a lower intensity than he is used to.
"Mentally that can be a challenge for a professional athlete.
"The chance to take part in the Leeds 10k is a great way to lift his spirits and be part of a team whilst doing it.
"This is a great opportunity to do something with Zane that supports his physical and mental well being.”
Leeds Rhinos Head of Medical Services Vas Mani added, “The quick actions of the medical staff present at the time and the fantastic team at LGI ensured Zane received swift treatment and he has made an excellent recovery.
"We are now focusing on the next stage of his treatment and will continue to support Zane during the coming weeks. He has been very positive throughout this challenging time which is a testament to his character.
"We expect Zane to make a full recovery and be medically fit to return to play before the end of the season.”