To our extended community,

Our family and the Warringah Rugby Community are coming together to support my brother and one of the Rats' most beloved sons, Wes Thomas.

On the weekend, Wes suffered a central cord syndrome neck injury doing what he loves most. He is currently at North Shore Hospital, where he begins what will be a long road to recovery.

Wes is a devoted partner, father, teammate and friend to so many. Rugby has always been at the core of who he is, the mateship, the contest, the community. Just 12 months ago, he was awarded the 'Ken Catchpole' Medal as best player in the Shute Shield, he won a premiership with the Rats, and had every intention of going all the way again in 2026. None of us were prepared to see him fighting for his future after what should have been just another hard-fought game.

The road ahead is long. Recovery from a serious spinal injury needs time, specialist care, intensive rehabilitation, and immense emotional and financial resilience. While Wes focuses on every small step forward, his family is suddenly carrying the weight of hospital visits, time away from work, medical costs, adaptive equipment, and the many realities that come with supporting someone through a life-changing injury.

We are raising funds to ease that burden, so Wes and his family can focus entirely on what matters most: his recovery.

Donations will help cover:

No amount is too small. Whether you can give $20, $50, $100 or more, every dollar makes a real difference. Please also share this page widely: teammates, club mates, opposition players, friends and family. The rugby community is at its best when it rallies around one of its own.

Wes — your mates and the wider rugby family are right behind you. We'll walk this road with you and your family, one step at a time.

Thank you for your generosity, your messages of support, and your love for Wes and those closest to him.

We love you, Wes. Always.