Ben walks way into Broncos Hearts

THE Walker family from Burpengary can never compensate for the loss of their son Ben.

At the same time though, they will carry eternal memories of their boy grinning from ear-to-ear, meeting his sporting idols just weeks before drawing his final breath.

In a story lost amid the rough and tumble of the season - and the often negative headlines - the dreams of a dying 19-year-old were realised thanks to the extraordinary co-operation of some NRL heroes.

Having fought cancer for several years, former Burpengary Jets player and father-of-one Ben was told in late July he had six weeks to live.

Stunned, Ben's friends and former teammates came up with a heartfelt plan, executed via the Greater Brisbane Junior Rugby League.

They wanted to see their struggling buddy get his greatest wish before he passed - meeting face-to-face with the Brisbane Broncos.

In less than 48 hours after hearing of Ben's plight, the Broncos had agreed in full.

What's more, they invited not only Ben, but his family and four friends to be special guests in their dressing room after playing Parramatta in Round 19 at Suncorp Stadium.

Treated to corporate box hospitality, the Burpengary battler then had the surprise of his life when Broncos monster Brad Thorn rummaged through his kit bag, plucked a few select items and then left a special message, his playing number and signature on them.

Fitted with a morphine pack and confined to a wheelchair, Ben could not be stopped from enamouring himself to all and sundry as he met the remainder of the team.

It was a particularly poignant moment for Ben's group of friends as well. Among them was former Jets teammate Jess Vosseler, himself a teenage cancer sufferer who was forced to undergo a leg amputation.

Also watching in the background, equally awestruck, was Ben's younger sister Sarah Walker, a student trainee with the Australian Rugby League Development.

And of course forever by his side, parents Peter and Debbie were ecstatic to see their son so invigorated after a prolonged and painful battle.

Unsurprisingly, on the night Ben was the last to leave the dressing sheds.

The Walkers so enjoyed the occasion, they went out of their way numerous times to thank the Broncos, in particular sponsorship manager Eloise Kelly and football manager Andrew Gee.

Unfortunately the last time they were moved to thank Wayne Bennett's men, it was in the wake of Ben's death.

He had lasted just a handful of weeks to his death on August 23.

It was a solemn moment and one of mixed emotions. Those close to Ben celebrated his lifetime's achievements and endless humour, knowing they had lost someone special but thankful his pain had ended.

Forever in their minds will be etched the night his dream came true and a rugby league team helped his face light up the world's greatest stadium.