A NINE-YEAR-OLD schoolboy who went viral after his mum filmed him telling her he wanted to take his own life after being bullied at school has taken centre stage at one of Australia's biggest sporting events of the year.
Aboriginal boy Quaden Bayles captured the hearts of millions all over the world after his mother posted a clip of him crying after he was mocked by bullies at school over his dwarfism.
Hugh Jackman and Jeffrey Dean Morgan were among the stars to post messages of support to Quaden after seeing the video, while members of the public also donated funds to an online campaign created to pay for him and his family to go to Disneyland.
Eager to do his part, Australian rugby league star Latrell Mitchell then invited Quaden to lead out the National Rugby League's Indigenous All Stars team for their match against the Maori All Stars on Saturday on the Gold Coast.
"We've got your back and just want to make sure that you are doing alright... we want you around, we want you to lead us out on the weekend," he said.
An avid rugby league fan, it was an offer too good to turn down for Quaden who took to the pitch this weekend holding the hand of team captain Joel Thompson.
It was a special moment for those watching at home and for fans in the stadium, with Quaden receiving a rapturous response.
He went on to pose for pictures with both teams before handing the ball to the referee.
The Maori All Stars won the game 30-16.
Speaking at a news conference ahead of the game his mother, Yarraka Bayles said her son was going “from the worst day of his life to the best day of his life".
See More: Australia, Bullying, Hugh Jackman, Quaden Bayles
