Sometimes, a little meet and greet can make a world of difference.
Just ask the family of Hayden Kelly, a young Sea Eagles supporter who got the chance to meet his favourite player, Tom Trbojevic, following the win over the Gold Coast Titans in June this year.
Hayden's mother, Sharon, reached out to the Sea Eagles the night before the game to see if her son could meet Tom.
“My kids have autism and not much interests them within the public life. They really want to meet Manly players, especially Jake and Tom, ’’ Sharon wrote.
“They have inherited their love of the Sea Eagles since they were born after much encouragement from my husband, Ben.”
Upon learning that Ben and six-year-old Hayden were at the game, the Sea Eagles invited them into the dressing room and a chance to spend time with the players.
“Hayden loves rugby league and plays with his mates at school every break he gets,’’ Ben said.
“Due to Hayden’s ASD, Sharon and I were very worried as he cannot handle big crowds easily.
“The boys were very gracious and accommodating in talking to Hayden and having photos with him.
“Hayden grew so much in spirit that evening and it has given him a new perspective on how he sees life."
The Sea Eagles were contacted this week by Sharon with a positive update on little Hayden.
"After Hayden met the boys, he has been footy obsessed and now plays the game,'' Sharon wrote.
"He also drew a picture of Tommy for his recovery."
The Sea Eagles wish Hayden all the best with his footy in 2020 and look forward to seeing the family again on the Gold Coast next year.
