North Queensland Cowboys second rower Scott Bolton has attracted plenty of attention on the field, but it is a mission that he kept close to his heart that has earned him the award of One Community’s Good Guy of the Month for May.
Bolton heard of the plight of one of his students, Jacob Biffin, through the Cowboys’ Adopt-A-School program, in which Cowboys players are ‘adopted’ as role models for students at schools in the North Queensland community.
Seven-year-old Jacob had undergone surgery at Townsville Hospital to remove a large tumour and Bolton gave the youngster the surprise of his life by being at his bedside to help in his recovery process.
“He’s a really brave little boy and I’m glad I was able to surprise him,” Bolton said.
For Bolton, it was much more than a one-off event, with his involvement in promoting important healthy eating messages at Jacob’s school – Vincent State Primary, a school with a large Indigenous population – acknowledged far and wide.
The club knew nothing of his efforts until the hospital and several school parents arranged to tell the story with the local media.
While the actual visit may have been a surprise, it was far from a shock to the Cowboys club.
“He is a great ambassador for the club and is always ready to help with any community initiative,” Cowboys Community Relations Manager, Fiona Pelling, said.
“We get glowing reports each time Scott visits Vincent State Primary School – the kids love him.”
Rugby League’s One Community Good Guy of the Month award acknowledges and recognises the inspiring and widespread commitment of NRL players to the community throughout the season.
Previous winners this year include Souths’ Beau Champion and the Roosters’ Mitchell Pearce.
As the Good Guy of the Month, Bolton will receive one night’s accommodation including breakfast for two courtesy of NRL sponsor Holiday Inn.
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National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.
