Quinn set for 200th NRL game

by NRL

In professional sport, injuries have the potential to create media frenzies, define seasons and even shape careers. Any league player does not go into a career expecting to have an injury free run, but some players seem to get struck down more than others.

For Anthony Quinn, he has had it tougher than most. Concussion, a bulging disk in the back, along with two bouts of surgery, one for a thumb injury, the other double disc replacement surgery for a neck problem, and that's just the past few seasons.

This hasn't been your average 200 game career. It has been one laced with set backs, challenges and resilience.

At AAMI Park on Saturday evening, the 29 year-old will notch up his 200th first grade game and the winger's 97th with Melbourne since joining Storm in 2007.

Book your tickets to this week's match against the Canberra Raiders here! AAMI Park, Saturday 7 July. Kick-off 5:30pm. KIDS ENTER FREE!!

Quinn's league journey began back in 2002 with the Newcastle Knights after being selected from local club Valentine-Eleebana. After playing 103 games for the Knights, he moved to Melbourne to join Storm in 2007.

The winger immediately enjoyed success in Melbourne, playing and scoring two tries in the 2007 Grand Final. A year later, he would again be a prominent part of Craig Bellamy's side, helping the Storm to a second successive Grand Final.

Coupled with a grand final appearance, 2008 was also the season in which Quinn made his Origin debut for New South Wales, appearing in all three matches for the Blues.

However, after having two of arguably his most successful seasons, 2009 was a vastly different story for Quinn. Quinn's form wasn't the issue, getting on the park was and by the end of 2009, the winger required revolutionary surgery to save his career.

Following two tough seasons, Quinn finally got back on track in 2011, overcoming his injuries and once again tasting finals football.

This season Quinn has only missed two games and has been a vital cog in the Melbourne machine. He has moved away from his preferred position and played a variety of different roles for the good of the team.

Now classed as a utility, Quinn's versatility is testament to the New South Welshmen's character. Putting the side's needs ahead of his own, he is the ultimate team player.

Anthony Quinn
Born: 19/01/1983
Junior Club: Valentine Devils
Position: Wing/Second Row
Representative Honours: 3 matches NSW ('08), Country Origin ('06-'08)
Previous Clubs: Newcastle ('02-06)
First Grade Debut: Newcastle v Northern Eagles, North Power, Rd1, 16/03/2002
Club First Grade Debut: v Wests Tigers, Olympic Park, Rd 1, 16/03/2007

1 Gareth Widdop
2 Matt Duffie
3 Dane Nielsen
4 Justin O'Neill
5 Anthony Quinn
6 Maurice Blair
7 Cooper Cronk
8 Jesse Bromwich
9 Cameron Smith [c]
10 Jason Ryles
11 Sika Manu
12 Ryan Hoffman
13 Todd Lowrie

14 Ryan Hinchcliffe
15 Rory Kostjasyn
16 Bryan Norrie
17 Kevin Proctor
18 Siosaia Vave
19 Jaiman Lowe
20 Sisa Waqa

Coach: Craig Bellamy

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