'Didn't think I'd survive': Footy star hospitalised after horror accident

Manly Sea Eagles star Joel Thompson has shared an image of himself in hospital sporting a neck brace, after an apparent accident at a party on the Central Coast.

Thompson was in the area for the Koori Knockout tournament, but did not take to the field as he recovers from a broken arm.

Out of contract but expected to re-sign with the Sea Eagles, Thompson was taken to Gosford Hospital by ambulance before being flown to the Royal North Shore Hospital.

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In an Instagram caption accompanying the picture of him in a neck brace, Thompson said he’d been in a ‘real bad accident’.

“Hey everyone I’ve had a real bad accident,” the post read.

“Won’t be talking to anyone for another week.

“Big lesson learned around drinking and partying...thinking of you all.”

Thompson spoke to the Daily Telegraph on Wednesday, revealing he had tumbled down a hill and hit his head on some rocks while messing around with friends.

“I just caught up with mates and rolled down a big hill until I hit a rocky end,” he said.

“My head hit it hard and I didn’t think I’d survive. But I’ve come through it.”

Touching moment at Storm awards night

A cloud of sadness hung over the Melbourne Storm's end of season awards night, with confirmation one favourite son was leaving and another could be set to follow.

Queensland State of Origin star Will Chambers revealed he was leaving the Storm to return to rugby union.

The veteran centre, who joined the Storm initially back in 2007, has signed to play in Japan.

The 31-year-old was made life member of the NRL club at their end of season presentation event on Tuesday night.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy said Chambers was long regarded as the best centre in the NRL.

An emotional Chambers, who has played 218 games with the Storm, said he'd miss pulling on the purple jersey.

"You've made me a better footballer and a better person," he said.

"To Craig, I came down here as a 28-year-old with more than a few rough edges and leave as a 31-year-old father of two.

"You've been a footy coach, a mate and more importantly you've been like a dad.

"I'm so glad I've had the opportunity to come back to this club."