The 14-year-old has since undergone eight operations at a massive cost to his family.

In the past week Ioane has returned home, but further operations and a long road to recovery still await him.

The Griffith Blacks have rallied to support their injured player and on Sunday will host a huge fundraiser at the Exies Sports Club from 11.30am.

All are welcome with raffles, a fathers v sons match and a chocolate wheel on offer throughout the day.

Coach Aled Francis encouraged the community to lend a hand to help Ioane, saying he still had a long way to go.

“This is a massive deal for him and he is a truly remarkable kid he doesn’t whinge or whine,” he said.

“We want to raise as much as we can this Sunday to help him – he is due for another operation and will have to go back to hospital again soon to get the cage off.

Mr Francis said he was proud of the way the rugby community had been there to support Ioane.

“They have been great and that is what rugby is all about, it is unique in the way it supports its people, we are one big family,” he said.

“We have already raised $4,500 for him and Marian Catholic College raised $900 with a barbecue as well.

“But he has got a long way to go.”

If you would like to help you can donate through the Griffith Junior Rugby Union Club Ioane Sa'ula Appeal Fund at. Westpac: BSB: 032750 Account No: 556805