Michael Cheika supports Christian Lealiifano in leukaemia fight

By AFP

Image: Christian Lealiifano has been diagnosed with leukaemia

Michael Cheika and the Wallabies players have backed their team-mate Christian Lealiifano to win his fight against leukaemia.

The Brumbies revealed on Saturday that Lealiifano had been diagnosed with the cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow following a brief illness.

Several Wallabies players visited 28-year-old Lealiifano over the weekend to offer him their support.

"I certainly believe he's going to get through and get through well," said Australia head coach Cheika.

"He's a tough guy. He's shown that over many years of playing footy and in the experience that I've had with him, he's always shown that and I'm backing him 100 per cent.

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"Whatever he needs we'll be there to provide it for him, around friendship, support, whatever it is so that he gets through it and beats it quickly.

Whatever he needs we'll be there to provide it for him, around friendship, support, whatever it is so that he gets through it and beats it quickly.
Michael Cheika

"He's up for it, there's no doubt about it. The lads have been in contact with him and a fair few of the boys have been to see him already, but he's right up for it."

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Wallabies captain Stephen Moore said the players were in shock following the news of Lealiifano's illness.

"I think he knows we're all here to support him the whole way," said Moore.

"We spoke about that as a group, just making sure we continue our support for him as he continues to go through this treatment.

"We've got to make sure we stay positive around him, right through his whole treatment. We don't know how long that's going to be, so we'll make sure we're always there for him and make sure that he knows that."

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