The Mole: Former Knights star’s ‘brave’ NRL return bid 14 years after near-death nightmare
Ryan Stig is attempting a stunning return to the NRL – 14 years after last playing in the big league.
A former promising halfback with the Knights, Stig had the league world at his feet – until being struck down by the potentially fatal Lyme’s disease in 2012.
Stig, now 34, gave away football for several years before making a comeback last season with the Knights’ NSW Cup side.
Now with uncertainty surrounding the Newcastle halves for 2025, Stig is making a brave bid to break back into the top grade.
“A few years ago I was more worried about whether I would live or die – I never dreamed I’d play league again,” Stig told Wide World of Sports.
“I’d put the game in the bin and just wanted to live for my family.
“So to get back onto the field was something very special.
“I was blind in one eye, my nervous system was shot, as well as my immune system – there may have even been some brain damage.”