Footy star reveals he played entire career COMPLETELY unaware of potentially deadly health problem
Former rugby league star Adrian Vowles has revealed he played his entire career with a faulty valve in his heart, which he knew nothing about before undergoing surgery recently.
The Queenslander starred in 271 matches across his footy career, including four seasons in Australia and one State of Origin match for Queensland.
Before he spent the latter part of his career playing in the English Super League, he spent two-year tenures with the Gold Coast Seagulls and North Queensland Cowboys.
Vowles has now revealed he’s taken his first steps in what will be a long recovery by embarking on a morning walk after undergoing open-heart surgery.
‘My my first morning walk since having open heart surgery and although only a small one, it will be my morning and evening ritual now,’ he wrote in a post on Instagram.
‘A faulty valve I was born with and knew nothing about was replaced and a bypass done as well.’
Adrian Vowles (pictured with his late father) played his entire career with a faulty valve in his heart
The former NRL star (pictured) also suited up for the Castleford Tigers in his long and successful career, which saw him play State of Origin for Queensland
Vowles explained that the operation is the most difficult challenge he’s ever faced.
‘To this point in my life it was the hardest hurdle I have had and if I am honest I had some pretty dark days in hospital as well,’ he said.
‘Going from training most days to being flat on your back full of drugs, plus getting a clot in my calf and then into my lung must have made my body wonder what I was doing to it.’
Vowles was treated by thoracic surgeon Dr Chris Cole at Wesley Hospital in Queensland.
His post has since been met with messages of support from family and friends.
‘Wow… unbelievable story mate… So happy that you have come out the other side,’ one wrote.
‘Wow Adrian..that’s a solid end to the year!! Glad to hear you’re back on the mend,’ another stated.
‘Wishing you all the best with recovery Adrian,’ another added.
The rugby league legend (pictured) is the proud father of two girls
The former Gold Coast Seagulls player (pictured next to former teammate Jason Twist) called his open-heart surgery the greatest challenge he’s ever faced
Vowles played 193 games in the Super League, with 142 of them coming for the Castleford Tigers.
He also played four games for Scotland and starred for English clubs Leeds, Wakefield Trinity and Castleford.
Vowles made history in 1998, when he became the first Queenslander to win the Man of Steel award as the Super League’s best player.
Once his top-flight career was over, the Maroons veteran returned to his home state to run out for the Toowoomba Clydesdales and Burleigh Bears.
