There’s something pretty special about seeing the pure joy rugby league can bring, and for young Dolphins fan Finn, the past few months have been filled with unforgettable memories.
As this year’s Magic Round ‘Kick for a Cause’ ambassador, nine-year-old Finn has been at the centre of some incredible Dolphins experiences, creating lifelong memories alongside the club he loves most.
Finn has supported the Dolphins since the club was first established, and for one very important reason.
His name is the same as the Dolphins fin.
It’s something he proudly tells everyone, and from day one, the club quickly became a huge part of his world.
NRL brings Finn enormous joy, and despite facing more challenges than most kids his age, he continues to approach life with resilience, positivity and a huge smile.
Finn has diagnoses of Autism, ADHD, high sensory needs and significant language, developmental and processing disorders, challenges that have been part of his life since he was around four years old.
In July 2024, Finn underwent an MRI at Queensland Children’s Hospital after concerns around a possible overgrowth condition. The scan revealed a rare brain tumour, a fourth ventricle posterior fossa choroid plexus papilloma.
Finn underwent brain surgery on July 26, 2024, to remove the tumour.
After initially recovering and returning home, complications saw Finn become critically unwell, requiring emergency surgery and several more weeks in hospital receiving ongoing specialist care.
Through it all, Finn’s positivity never faded.
He built a strong connection with the Children’s Hospital Foundation, especially the colourful Kidzone playroom and the bedside Nintendo Switch loan program, which brought moments of happiness and normality during a difficult time.
Now, being selected as a Child Ambassador means the world to Finn and his family, combining two things he loves most: footy and the hospital community that helped care for him.
And the Dolphins have made sure the experience has been one to remember.
Finn has enjoyed sideline tours at the Dolphins’ clash against Manly, attended training sessions where he met his favourite players Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Trai Fuller, and even had the opportunity to run out with the team at the club’s last home game against the Bulldogs.
For Finn, meeting Hamiso and Trai was a dream come true.
Alongside his big sister Ivy, another passionate Dolphins supporter, Finn continues to live and breathe rugby league, whether he’s dancing around the house, playing with his dog or cheering on the Dolphins every week.
This year’s ‘Kick for a Cause’ initiative continues to highlight the power rugby league has to bring people together and support families in the wider community.
For every successful conversion during NRL Magic Round, Youi will pledge a $1,000 donation, helping support causes that make a genuine difference to families like Finn’s.
The initiative was inspired by the incredible community work of former NRL player Trent Hodkinson, whose passion for giving back continues today in his role as the Dolphins’ Game Development Officer in Rockhampton.
This week at Training, Captain Isayia Katoa personally invited Finn to run out with him ahead of the clash against the Rabbitohs at Magic Round.
For the Dolphins, seeing Finn’s excitement every step of the way, from training sessions to game day experiences, is what rugby league is truly all about.
Because sometimes, the most magical moments happen far beyond the scoreboard.
To donate and Support Finn Visit: https://www.schf.org.au/kfac-dolphins
