Stankevitch, 27, who lives in Widnes with his partner and two children, severed a nerve in his neck in 2003 playing for St Helens against Wigan. Despite four years of rehabilitation, doctors informed him that his condition would not improve. As a result he has had to seek a newcareer outside of Rugby League.

Consequently, John now works part time with the GMB Union alongside Geoff Burrow and Sonny Nickle on the ‘Conversion to Learning project’ which is helping amateur rugby league players throughout the country return to learning.

John Stankevitch said: “When the doctors told me the news, I initially had no idea what I wanted to do. Having joined St Helens aged 15, my career had been focussed on playing rugby rather than gaining qualifications. So finding a new career was a difficult decision.”

“After some advice from my old team mates at St. Helens I decided I’d try for a career in the financial sector. At Saints I’d invested in property and had developed an interest in this area, so considered becoming a financial advisor.”

To help him kick start his new career, Stankevitch received a grant from the RFL Benevolent Fund to cover the costs of his training.

John will complete his training in May, after which he will enter part time employment as a Mortgage Advisor at Jenkins Barnes Associates in Widnes. At the same time he will to continue his work with the ‘Conversion to Learning’ project, employment which he has described as “beneficial and enjoyable’’.

Tim Adams, Chairman of the RFL Benevolent Fund, said: “We’re delighted to assist John in his new career move and wish him all the best for the future.

“The RFL Benevolent Fund was created to support players whose lives are affected by serious injury while playing the game. Thankfully these are rare in RFL; however it is critically important that any players who are affected receive the best support possible.”

‘Stanky’ played over 100 games for St Helens scoring 26 tries and played in the 2003 Super League Grand Final. In 2004 he moved to Widnes where he was forced to end his career. He is, however, still involved in the Widnes set-up as coach of the Vikings under 21’s team.