Alex McKinnon walks in Instagram video

Injured former Australian rugby league player Alex McKinnon has posted a short video clip revealing encouraging progress in his rehabilitation from a "devastating spinal injury".

McKinnon posted the clip on social media site Instagram last night.

The ex-Newcastle Knights prop suffered two fractured vertebrae after being driven head-first into the ground in a three-man tackle during a match against the Melbourne Storm in March last year.

The video clip was filmed at a specialist spinal rehabilitation unit on Queensland's Gold Coast and shows McKinnon walking with the assistance of a frame, harness and trainer.

"With all the support and care from people all around the world I feel it's important to continue to give people an update of how my progress is going with my Injury," the accompanying caption read.

"In this small clip I am in a harness and using a walking frame and the assistants of a trainer to swing my legs through."

McKinnon goes on to say that the ability to "lock out" his legs over an 80 metre distance without tiring is a real milestone in his recovery.

He admitted he is a "hard-marker" when it comes to his improvement, and reveals his aim is to keep his body in the best shape possible "so when one day there is a cure of SCI I will be ready."

The message ends with an eye on tonight's NRL premiership decider in Sydney between Brisbane and North Queensland, quipping "must be because it's Grand Final week."
The post had attracted over 3000 likes within the first four hours of posting.