Delighting thousands in the crowd at Sunday’s Bulldogs v Dolphins game, local All Abilities Rugby League player Matthew Walk was gifted a Dolphins jersey by prop Jarrod Wallace.
Matthew played in the curtain-raiser for the over 15 All Abilities Rugby League team, entertaining patrons before the sold-out NRL match kicked off.
The thrill of playing before thousands of people had Matthew beaming with pride, but it was the moments that took place after the Bulldogs v Dolphins game which had him grinning from ear to ear right into the night.
Matthew’s mother Wendy and support worker Mason were in attendance to cheer him on, and Wendy said it was a memorable moment when Dolphins’ star player Jarrod Wallace walked the oval boundary after the game and spotted Matthew.
“We were in the VIP lounge area near the grandstand,” Wendy said.
“Jarrod was signing autographs and speaking to the crowd when he came over and asked Matthew what his name was.
“He then ripped his shirt off and gave it to Matthew.
“Everyone had a tear in their eye from the amazing gesture.”
Jarrod also signed Matthew’s own Dolphins jersey he was wearing.
Matthew has been a passionate Dolphins supporter since they commenced in the NRL competition earlier this year.
“Matthew wore Jarrod’s match jersey to bed Sunday night,” Wendy said.
“It’s his prized possession and I’m not allowed to wash it.”
You can find video footage of Matthew receiving Jarrod Wallace’s jersey here.
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