The former Nelson Bay Marlin who went on to play senior football both in Port Stephens and Newcastle would exemplify the attributes of a tenacious front-row forward, always willing and able to take the hard yards.

Today, 17 months after a surfing accident that left the 33-year-old father-of-two an 'incomplete quadriplegic', Poulos is displaying those same characteristics and more as he throws himself into his rehabilitation in an attempt to walk again.

And it's paying off for him in "small steps".

Poulos said that being able to "fire up" his pelvic muscles in order for him to use his lower limbs had opened up whole new opportunities in his quest of becoming more independent.

"My main focus is to continue to push forward with the rehab. I have been walking around in a four-wheel frame ... I can walk in and out of the front door, from my chair to my bed and the other day I walked 50 to 60m from the carpark to the playground with the kids," said Poulos, who was raised in Anna Bay before moving his young family to Newcastle to embark on a career in management in the disability sector.

"I have managed to walk up the stairs out of the pool and not long ago I was able to climb a staircase with assistants on either side. My next challenge is to walk with crutches or a walking stick. I'm not there yet but it's certainly on my radar."

Speaking from his Belmont North home, Poulos remains philosophical about his journey ahead following the devastating accident at Dudley Beach on the afternoon of November 15, 2019, when he was carried out from the surf by a group of beachgoers after being dumped head first in a wave. He has acknowledged that the actions of those first responders probably saved his life.

ALSO READ: Poulos thanks supporters 12 months after surf injury

He was rushed to hospital and it was not until he had regaining consciousness and received the prognosis from doctors that the extent of his injuries hit home. Poulos had severely injured his C3 and C4 spinal cords and was diagnosed a C5 incomplete quadriplegic.

This was followed by four months of intense rehabilitation at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital and Ryde rehabilitation centre before being allowed home to continue the daily grind of rehab and gym training sessions.

Now he works feverishly, five hours a day with face-to-face rehab in addition to the countless hours he undertakes independently, knowing that any progress is painfully slow but highly valued. "It's a fulltime job but I'm determined to keep going."

Poulos said that he was now focusing on upper body strength and movement. "I am looking to rebuild and strengthen my chest and arms. I am looking at progressing from being able to stand to hopefully walk unassisted."

Spinal injuries are not only life changing in a physical sense, they can also pose serious mental challenges and Poulos is grateful for the emotional support of friends and family, particularly wife Alanna.

"There's not a day goes by where I don't reflect or think of what I've lost, but I am very fortunate to have Alanna constantly by my side for support. Under the circumstances, I can say that I am in a fairly happy place."

Poulos is also grateful for the support from so many in the community, his friends and the Men of League Foundation, predominantly the Port Stephens branch. "The people from Men of League have been a great help and I want to thank both Peter Arnold and Chris Kelly for their visits and continued support."

Arnold described Chris as determined and driven in his quest to become more mobile. "He has come a long way through his rehab and is a real inspiration to his many friends and family."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: