NRL: Warriors pledge $20,000 for Alex McKinnon fund

The Warriors have pledged $20,000 to the fundraising efforts for injured Newcastle player Alex McKinnon. Photo / Getty Images.

The Warriors have pledged $20,000 to the fundraising efforts for injured Newcastle player Alex McKinnon.

McKinnon is in a wheelchair after being the victim of a dangerous tackle in a round three NRL match in March.

The NRL has initiated a #RiseForAlex Round spread across this week's 19th round of matches.

The Warriors are away to the Broncos in Brisbane tomorrow and plan to continue the McKinnon effort for their home game against Manly next weekend.

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said the club was committed to the cause.

"It's an opportunity for the whole community to get in behind the #RiseForAlex cause," he said.

"With support from our owners, the board and our players we've been able to make an initial donation of $20,000 and are looking to raise more through the #RiseForAlex wristbands as well as a collection when we play Manly next week."

Warriors players have been promoting the wristbands since last week when wing Manu Vatuvei and centre Konrad Hurrell were among the first NRL players to post selfies wearing the wristbands.

Chad Townsend and David Fusitu'a both acknowledged the cause by pointing to their wrists in their post-try celebrations during the Warriors' 48-0 win against Parramatta last Saturday.

Hooker Nathan Friend will wear customised #RiseForAlex headgear which he is auctioning for the fund.

For the 20th-round clash at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday week, the Warriors will share funds raised on a 50-50 basis with the New Zealand Spinal Trust.