Sharks star Cameron McInnes and his young son took part in Tuesday's heartwarming Junior Mega Jaws Disability Clinic, illustrating that rugby league is a game for everyone.
Organised by the Sharks Have Heart community team, led by NRLW gun and Equal Access Program Lead Emma Tonegato, the free event at Sharks Academy provided a safe environment for about 30 kids with a disability to experience the fun of footy.
McInnes and fellow NRL squad members Kayal Iro, Max Bradbury and Sam Healy helped guide the attendees, aged 4-16, through drills such as goal kicking, tackling soft bags, scoring tries and dancing with the Minespec Parts Mermaids cheerleaders.
Doting dad McInnes, whose five-year-old son Talanoa has autism, noted the clinic had just the right amount of structure to allow the participants to learn new skills while freely expressing themselves in a protected setting.
The youngsters were delighted to interact with some of their favourite players, including halfback Nicho Hynes, who turned up unannounced and posed for photos.
The afternoon underlined the Sharks' commitment as the 'community club' to enacting positive social change and ensuring footy is accessible for all abilities.
"It's a privilege to make a difference and we love putting smiles on faces," said Tonegato, who was joined by NRLW teammates Jada Taylor and Quincy Dodd.
"It was fantastic to see the kids so engaged in the drills and having a blast."
