At one point, Cameron Vazzoler was recognised as the best rugby league player in regional New South Wales. Having won the best and fairest award in the Group 7 Rugby League competition in 2018, the Kiama Knights halfback was named the Country Player of the Year in 2019. But just three years later, at the age of 24, his career seemed over after the shock diagnosis of rare autoimmune disorder, Guillain-Barre syndrome. "It's a neurological disorder which basically [is] your immune system attacking your nerves which causes in mild cases weakness of the muscles, and in severe cases being paralysed," Vazzoler said. For the next 18 months he not only stopped playing football but also had to learn to walk again. A unique comeback The diagnosis was shattering for a man used to winning premierships. He played a starring role in breaking Kiama's 34-year Group 7 First Grade title drought in 2019, then moved to Bega in search of more success. He led that club to its first title in eight years in 2022, before confronting the reality that his career might be over. "It's such a rare and unique disorder, so there was not too much information on it," he said. "Obviously being quite young, that was tough down there, but I got through it with the support of my family and friends." Vazzoler approached his recovery with a simple goal in mind and returned to the field for the Bega Roosters last season. "[It] took time and a lot of hard work, but I'm just grateful to be where I'm at now," he said. Coach praises recovery Three years after his diagnosis, Vazzoler is back at his old club in Kiama, and eyeing another premiership. Kiama first grade coach Matt O'Brien said it was pleasing to see his playmaker back on the field. "If it's something you have done all your life and you've had a lot of success doing … to have that taken away from you, I would imagine would fuel even more competitiveness in him to get back being at a level where he's able to enjoy it. "Footy's always been a part of his life, and this is a new chapter of it."