‘He could have died’: Young Kangaroo recovering from life-saving surgery after Bali dash

1 month ago 16

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North Melbourne forward Paul Curtis is recovering from life-saving lung surgery after making an emergency dash from a post-season holiday in Bali.

Curtis boarded a 17-hour flight from London to Bali on antibiotics prescribed in the UK when he presented at a hospital with pneumonia at the end of a holiday with Kangaroos’ teammates in October.

Due to meet with his partner, Kelera, in Bali, he arrived with his face swollen and with serious concerns about his health after the antibiotics failed to address the issue.

Seven News reported on Sunday his face and feet were swollen, and a rash covered his body when he disembarked.

Curtis contacted North Melbourne’s club doctor Kendall Brooks who organised for him to be assessed in Bali where he was diagnosed with empyema, a condition where pus accumulates around the lungs.

Brooks immediately arranged for Curtis to be medically evacuated from Bali for urgent surgery at Hollywood Hills hospital in Perth, as the condition is life-threatening.

He was operated on in Perth the morning after he arrived, spent eight days in hospital and then had to remain in Western Australia until it was safe to fly home with Brooks ensuring Curtis and his partner had appropriate care during the recovery process.

“[This was] a serious, very serious life-threatening illness and he could have died from this,” Dr Clay Colledge told 7News.

North Melbourne officials believe Curtis’ fitness and age were critical in allowing Curtis to hang on until the operation with a litre of pus removed from his lungs.

The talented forward, who kicked 38 goals in 19 games for the Kangaroos in 2026 and finished 10th in the club best and fairest, is beginning to build his fitness and is considered a chance to play in round one despite his health ordeal.

Curtis said he fought hard as he focused on recovering for his toddler, Elijah.

“I knew I had to be healthy first to obviously provide for him,” Curtis said. “I’m just so grateful for the people that helped me get back to where I am now.”