McKinnon’s parents, Scott and Kate, and his partner Teigan Power updated his condition when they issued a statement on Wednesday to thank the public and media for their support during ‘‘a challenging time for everyone who loves Alex’’.

‘‘We wish to thank the public and the media for the tremendous support and words of concern we have already received for our son and partner, Alex,’’ the statement read.

‘‘He remains in a critical but stable condition at The Alfred Hospital and is receiving the very best care.

‘‘Alex’s injury is still in its early days and we are still in the process of understanding its implications and what the future may hold for him.

‘‘This is a challenging time for everyone who loves Alex and, until such a time that we are feeling stronger, we ask that our family’s privacy is respected so that we can focus solely on his recovery.’’

McKinnon faces the possibility of further surgery in his recovery from the ‘‘devastating spinal injury’’ he suffered when driven head-first into the ground in a three-man tackle in the final seconds of the first half of Newcastle’s 28-20 loss to the Storm at AAMI Park on Monday night.

The 22-year-old Aberdeen Tigers junior and Country Origin representative was in an induced coma on Tuesday to aid in his recovery from emergency spinal surgery earlier that day to repair two fractured vertebrae and have a disc removed at the C4-C5 level.

● Post your message of support for Alex McKinnon and his family by clicking on the relevant link on the Newcastle Herald website (www.theherald.com.au).