Javon Andrews faces club turmoil before his debut, but he's resilient after overcoming a life-threatening injury five years ago.
Javon Andrews has become collateral damage in the latest storm at the Wests Tigers this week. Yet history suggests the furore swirling around the club won't affect the young gun as he prepares to make his first grade debut in the nation's capital on Saturday afternoon.
Andrews has endured worse. So much worse. Five years ago, his rugby league career was on the brink after he collided with a goalpost while playing in a club game in Brisbane.
Andrews spent months in a halo neck brace and two years out of the game, never knowing for certain whether he would be cleared to make his return.
His mother Jessica, who has flown to Canberra with his father John to watch Andrews make his debut against the Raiders, this week relived the life-altering moment that almost ended Javon's career before it began.
"We were down the other end and Javon got a runaway try," Jessica said.