When Joseph Pouniu suffered a life-changing spinal injury at the start of 2023, the rugby league community rallied behind him.
Through the support of the Gold Coast Titans' charitable arm Titans Together, more than one million dollars has been raised to aid in his recovery.
That support has had a profound impact.
Today, Joseph is making remarkable strides - not only in his rehabilitation, but also in life after footy. He’s working with the club's NRL program, alongside club analyst Chris Kulen and has reconnected with the game he loves and found new purpose within the club.
"Looking back at it (the injury), I’ve made so much progress," Pouniu told titans.com.au.
"To be able to move my arms and do daily activities is massive."
His recovery has also extended beyond the physical.
Getting back into the community and adapting to his new lifestyle has brought new challenges and with them, growth.
"Getting out in the community, it was definitely hard at the start no doubt just adjusting to a new lifestyle and it can be very frustrating at the start, but moving past that and knowing there are better things to come gave me peace of mind."
Joseph has also found strength through connection - especially with Titans chairman Dennis Watt.
"Dennis is extraordinary," he said.
"He has kept in contact, came to visit me at the hospital and I’ve created a genuine connection with him.
"Being able to have a conversation with someone on day-to-day life, it’s been truly amazing – he is an amazing person."
The generosity of the public has left Joseph deeply moved, from the club's owners - the Frizelle and Kelly families - to business owners and every day people wanting to help him and his family on the road to recovery.
"I just wanted to say a big thank you," Pouniu shared.
"I didn’t realise the amount of support a person can leave and to be able to see that, let alone the comments, it is hard to put into words.
"It’s been tough no doubt and to see the positivity from the world, that’s what has kept me going. I just want to say a big thank you to everyone that has supported.”
With a strong support system and a determined mindset, Joseph has made a return to rugby league - this time, on wheels.
"I was itching to get back and into team sport again,” he said, now involved in his first season of Wheelchair Rugby League.
"To be in that team environment and be part of something and strive towards a goal is very exciting for me.
"To be back playing, I’m loving it."
Joseph’s story is a powerful example of what Titans Together stands for - helping members of our community overcome adversity and continue to thrive.
Donations made to the foundation don’t just fund recovery; they rebuild lives, create opportunity and foster connection.
With the end of financial year fast approaching, now is the perfect time to make a tax-deductible donation to Titans Together.
Your support can help others, just like Joseph, on their road to recovery and ensure that no one faces their toughest moments alone.
