Mark O’Meley, a former prop forward for Hull FC, is reportedly recovering after going “into cardiac arrest” during surgery. Willie Mason, a former Canterbury Bulldogs teammate of O’Meley, made the announcement during an interview with Justin Horo on the Levels podcast.
Mason says the former Australia international slipped into cardiac arrest while undergoing surgery on his back. Since retiring from playing in 2014, he has worked behind the scenes at the NRL team Newcastle Knights. The 43-year-old reportedly needed to be revived by medical professionals.
However, as O’Meley heals from the tragedy, Mason was relieved to report that he is doing OK.
Mason stated on the program, “I just got a call from Big Ogre [O’Meley].” Is there anything I can say about Ogre? Special thanks to Ogre, who fell into cardiac arrest after having surgery on his back.
The only reason I’m mentioning this is because Sandy, O’Meley’s partner, posted it on Facebook. He’s all right. However, a special thanks to Big Ogre and his family. Mate, you have my undying affection. Indeed, it was frightening for him to write the message after learning of it yesterday.
They had to do resuscitation on him while he was on the bed. Terrifying, dude. He’s okay, at least. Take care of yourself, buddy, big dude.
Before joining the Bulldogs in 2002, O’Meley played for the Northern Eagles and North Sydney Bears. In 2004, he won an NRL Grand Final and made 110 appearances for the team.
In 2008, he joined the Sydney Roosters, and in 2010, he transferred to Hull FC. Before going back to Australia to play for the Wyong Roos for a year, he played four seasons with the Black and Whites, making 90 games and scoring 13 tries. Since then, O’Meley has frequently discussed his time in Hull and his passion for the club and the city.
In addition to having 15 caps for Australia, he has played ten times for New South Wales.