As the Storm and Panthers players took to Accor Stadium last Saturday for the captain's runs, there was a special guest on hand to soak up all the atmosphere.
Ten-year-old Luke, who has Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, had his wish granted to ‘have a VIP experience at the NRL Grand Final' thanks to Make-A-Wish Australia.
Luke and nine of his family members were invited to attend the Storm’s captain’s run, and also invited by Panthers to stay on for their walk through, before getting to meet to The Kid Laroi who was at the stadium rehearsing.
On the Sunday, Luke got to watch both teams depart the bus with his dad, every player and the coaches high-fiving him when they jumped off the bus while Ryan Papenhuyzen wheeled his chair into the stadium.
When Luke was introduced to the referees on Sunday he offered this timely advice to Ashley Klein - “ref good, make sure you’re close enough to see if they score and don’t let them fight”.
"Luke loved it. For a young boy struggling with all the changes in his body and to be 'left behind' from most of his peers, being made to feel special and like a VIP means the world to him." Luke's mum Tonita said.
"We are all so grateful for the lifelong memories we made.
"Meeting all the players and even The Kid Laroi. Watching the game. Meeting some of the greats and a merch pack. Travelling to and from the game in style. He absolutely loved it!"
Make-A-Wish Australia CEO Sally Bateman said: “Our wish program receives no government funding, so we rely on the support of wonderful organisations like the NRL, and the generosity of our donors, to help bring unforgettable wishes like Luke’s to life. Our aim is for the Wish Journey to leave a profound and lasting impact on wish kids like Luke, and help inspire them to dream bigger, and to believe that anything is possible. We’re very grateful to the NRL, Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers for making this such an incredible experience for Luke.”
- To learn more about Make-A-Wish Australia visit
