A year ago, rugby league prodigy Cameron Vazzoler's footballing talents almost got NSW Country over the line against their city rivals. Now, his career is at a crossroads after he was diagnosed with a rare immune system disorder.
The 24-year-old has learnt he has Guillain-Barre Syndrome just weeks after he was named player of the year for leading the Bega Roosters to their first premiership in eight years in the South East NSW Rugby League Group 16 competition.
So severe were his symptoms, he spent almost a week in intensive care.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome sees the body's immune system attack nerve cells and the cause remains unknown.
With the length of Vazzoler's recovery unclear, the footballing community has come together, helping raise $30,000 in just two days.
The money will be used to cover Vazzoler's medical expenses and support him while he recovers.
South Coast Rugby League's commercial and operations manager Ashton Sims — a former Fijian international and NRL star — is the force behind the fundraiser.
He said Vazzoler, who was also a former Kiama Knights star halfback, had made a big impact on the game in just a few years.
"I've never met Cameron but I know a lot of people who are good mates with him and from what I've heard he sounds like the kind of guy I would hang out with," Sims said.
"That's the thing with rugby league, we look after each other and that's what we're doing in this instance."
Vazzoler unable to walk without frame
Friend and Roosters committee member Dave Armstrong said it was hard to believe Vazzoler's diagnosis had come so soon after the Roosters' premiership win.
Mr Armstrong said Vazzoler was unable to walk without the help of a frame and would not be able to return to work at Bega Cheese for some time.
"He's certainly had some dark days, and his partner Piper, who has been amazing, calls me if he's having a bad day or he's down," Mr Armstrong said.
"Cameron is very focused and very determined, so he's chomping at the bit to get better."
Vazzoler was recruited as captain-coach by Roosters life member Gary Ahkin, who Mr Armstrong said made a few phone calls when the squad was looking for a coach.
"He has had a very distinguished career, and he's held in pretty high esteem," he said.
"Cameron is a competitor, but he keeps it all on the field."
