There was a magic moment at Red Hill on Tuesday as a very special Broncos fan joined the team at training ahead of this week’s four-day extravaganza.
Five-year-old Sienna and her family visited the Club as part of her role as the Children’s Hospital Foundation Child Ambassador for Magic Round, with the rugby league community set to unite for the NRL’s new ‘Kick for a Cause’ initiative.
Tom Duffy was among the first to get involved, slotting a kick for Sienna during the team’s field session.
The new NRL initiative aims to raise $1 million to improve the care, comfort and outcomes of children receiving cancer treatment across Australia and New Zealand, where around 1,000 children and teenagers are diagnosed with cancer each year.
Funds raised will support specialist children’s cancer centres and provide vital services for families throughout their treatment journey.
Sienna’s Story
Sienna – affectionately known as ‘Sissy’ – was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma after what initially appeared to be a mosquito bite during a family holiday in Bali in June 2023.
Despite multiple GP visits and reassurances that the mark was likely a minor infection or benign childhood lesion, Sienna’s mum Shawnee continued to push for further investigation.
After months of uncertainty and conflicting medical opinions, Sienna was referred to Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Just one day after her first appointment, she underwent urgent surgery in February 2024, where the lesion was confirmed as melanoma that had already spread to her lymph nodes.
Since then, Sienna has undergone multiple surgeries, extensive testing and 12 months of immunotherapy treatment.
Supporting the Cause
As part of the initiative, Youi has pledged $1,000 for every successfully converted try and penalty goal during Magic Round.
Youi will also double the donation for every successful field goal across the round, with all funds going directly to the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Lyndsey Rice said the initiative would make a meaningful difference for children and families navigating cancer treatment.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of Kick for a Cause in its inaugural year, alongside the NRL, the Broncos and communities across Australia and New Zealand, helping raise vital funds and awareness for children facing cancer,” Rice said.
Every child deserves the chance to simply be a kid, and initiatives like this help ensure more families can access the care, support and breakthroughs they need, closer to home.
Lyndsey Rice Children's Hospital Foundation CEO
Fans can also show their support by donating through the Broncos’ dedicated fundraising link and helping make a difference for children and families impacted by cancer.
