By Liam Cook UQ’s dominate No.8 Nuku Swerling has received a new lease on his rugby life since joining the first-grade side this year. The powerfully built forward has withstood substantial adversity to be in the position he is today at his new home. After a storied career in the Australian under twenties, the NRC, and the professional French Top fourteen competition, Swerling returned for his initial club side Bond in 2018 to shocking news. “My first game for Bond Uni I shattered my neck and was told that I could never play again,” Swerling told Rugby News. “I pretty much stayed away from the rugby scene and shied away from it.” On the advice of the club, Swerling sought a second opinion that ultimately cleared him to return to play. Despite this news, the hulking forward still had his reservations about returning to the sport he loves.  “I took 2019 and 2020 off because I was still a bit unsure and then in 2021 one of my best mates told me to come