Michael with his recovery

On the of 14th of May, Michael Blattner suffered an unexpected heart attack playing the game that he loves the most - Rugby League.

Mick (49 years old) has been playing Rugby League for over 40 years. Mick grew up in Bondi and started out as a Junior for Bondi United. Mick won his first First Grade Grand Final with Bondi United at 18 years and was named Man of the Match. From there, He spent many of his senior years competing in the Group 7 competition with; Nowra Warriors, Bomaderry Swamprats, Nowra-Bomaderry Jets, Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs, Berry Magpies, Wreck Bay Bears and Shellharbour Sharks. Mick won first grade competitions with; The Bulldogs, Jets and The Sharks. Mick also spent the last two seasons in the Northern Rivers League playing for the Cudgen Hornets in which his son Zac still plays for. Mick recently made the move back to the Berry Magpies - a club where he has had many years of success as a coach/player in the early 2000s.

For anyone who knows Mick, they would know he plays the game with great toughness. 3 minutes into the Reserve Grade fixture against Shellharbour Stingrays. Mick suffered a Heart Attack which he miraculously got up from on his own. Sitting back down on the bench, Mick was prepared to re-enter the match however some stern words from the Coaching Staff and Committee, Mick was forced to leave the field. He then took himself up to hospital to later discover he suffered a Heart Attack. Mick has been in ICU since and was transferred to Wollongong Hospital. Mick undertook an Angiogram Test which discovered he has blockages in his arteries. One as bad as 99%. The test showed 5 arteries with damage and will undergo a Triple Bypass surgery this Friday.

Due to this unexpected medical emergency Mick will be unable to work with the recovery expected to take 8 to 10 weeks.

We as Michael‘s children are looking to ease the financial stress for Mick by setting up a GoFundMe page. The funds will go directly to Michael to assist with his long road to recovery.

We understand that the cost of living is rising and are appreciative of any donation no matter how big or small. Thank you.

UPDATE- 17.05.23

Unfortunately it has not been good news this afternoon, Mick has received the news that his Carotid Artery is also block and it will require surgery to clear.