Leeds Rhinos forward Zane Tetevano has spoken publicly for the first time since suffering a stroke in training a few weeks ago.
The episode, caused by a hole in his heart, has been met with widespread sympathy and well-wishes not just from the rugby league community but from everyone on social media who have seen what's happened to the 32-year-old. Now back to his old self, he caught up with Leeds' media team to provide an update to his supporters.
Going into detail about the moments before he understood what was happening, Tetevano was in good spirits and didn't hold back from speaking about what must have been a traumatic experience.
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"Feeling good so far," said Tetevano. "It's been a few weeks now, and the boys have been really good, and the staff. The club have helped me through it. I remember everything, how it all started. I was the first on the field, and it was in my warm-up period, and I was slurring my words and messed up a few basic drills.
"Then I remember speaking to a teammate and the responses I was giving, I couldn't feel my mouth and that's when the episode kicked in and I was kicking the ground and the medical staff and staff didn't know what was going on.
"It was a fast but safe period, and I want to say thanks to the club. It was scary. You don't know what's going on until you get told you've had a stroke. I'm active and love training, so it was a shock. Other than that I've come out the right side."
For the other patients in Leeds General, it must have come as a suprise to see one of the Rhinos' star players rushed into the ward and be treated for a stroke. Tetevano opened up about the people he met during his time in hopsitial and why one person will always now be a close friend.
"Recovery has been quick, and god bless to be here for another period. A few people were on the ward, and it was hard to ask them questions and get their stories. I won't mention names, but I'm close with one now. When I got discharged, I went to see him and gave him a Rhinos jersey.
"He's been working on the rails for 43 years and might lose his job. Seeing the sadness in his face was very emotional. I hope that small gift lifted his spirits."
THE FULL INTERVIEW CAN BE FOUND HERE
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