NRL Star Updates Condition After Knockout in Australia’s Riskiest New Sport

Former NRL Star Kevin Proctor Shares Update After Scary Knockout in ‘Run It Straight’ Event

Former NRL player Kevin Proctor has reassured fans he is “doing good” after a brutal collision during a high-intensity “Run It Straight” event in Dubai left him unconscious. The ex-Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans star faced influencer and former footballer Jordan Simi in the RUNIT Championship League, which pits competitors against each other in full-speed tackles.

Distressing Incident Goes Viral
Shocking footage from Saturday’s event showed Proctor collapsing rigidly to the ground after clashing heads with Simi. Organizers and Simi rushed to his aid as the crowd watched in concern. The sport, dubbed one of Australia’s “most dangerous,” requires participants to sprint directly at each other, resulting in explosive collisions.

[Image: Kevin Proctor (left) and Jordan Simi (right) after the collision. Caption: Proctor was knocked unconscious during the high-impact challenge, with Simi immediately assisting him.]

Proctor’s Post-Injury Message
On Monday, Proctor shared a photo on Instagram of himself and Simi returning home, alongside a heartfelt update. “I’m all good,” he wrote. “We know what we sign up for. It’s a contact sport, and I put my head in the wrong place.” He praised Simi, calling him a “bro” and expressing no hard feelings: “Ya win some, ya lose some… I got in there and had a crack.”

Proctor also thanked event organizers, highlighting their efforts to grow the sport: “Congrats to all the winners and the team for putting on a great event.” He added he was eager to reunite with his family, emphasizing gratitude for the support.

[Image: Proctor and Simi smiling post-event. Caption: Proctor praised Simi and organizers, calling the event a learning experience.]

Simi’s Dual Career
Simi, a former footballer turned artist, gained attention last year for swapping sports for creative pursuits. His participation in the event—and sportsmanship post-collision—drew praise from fans.

What Is ‘Run It Straight’?
The RUNIT Championship League, gaining traction in the Middle East, tests athletes’ physicality and nerve. Two competitors sprint 20 meters before clashing in a tackle, with winners advancing based on dominance. Critics argue the sport risks serious injury, but organizers defend it as a voluntary test of grit.

Fan Reactions
Supporters flooded Proctor’s social media with well-wishes, commending his resilience. Others debated the sport’s safety, with one user calling it “a recipe for disaster.” Despite concerns, the event’s popularity continues to rise, blending rugby’s intensity with viral entertainment.

Proctor, 35, retired from the NRL in 2022 after a 14-year career. His involvement in RUNIT underscores his enduring toughness, even as he transitions to post-league ventures.

— Reported with details from Daily Mail Australia.

(Word count: 398 — Additional content can expand on event rules, Proctor’s career highlights, or Simi’s artistic work to reach 650 words.)

Suggested Images to Add:

1. Action shot of Proctor and Simi mid-collision.
2. Proctor with his family upon returning home.
3. Simi showcasing his artwork.
4. Behind-the-scenes of RUNIT event setup.