Amid a week dominated by discussions about the NRL’s expansion into PNG, another story within the league captured my attention.
There’s something truly remarkable and heart-warming about witnessing professional athletes stepping outside the spotlight of stadiums to bring light into the lives of others.
Over the past week, players from the Newcastle Knights and Penrith Panthers visited children at John Hunter and Nepean hospitals, reminding us of the power of giving, especially during the Christmas season.
In a world where headlines often highlight scandals and controversies, these simple acts of kindness from athletes stand out as a beautiful reminder of the good that exists in sport.
For these players, it wasn’t about accolades, sponsorships, or building personal brands. It was about connection—about using their influence to make a genuine impact on the lives of those who need it most.
As Knights forward Mat Croker humbly put it:
“We can’t really do a whole heap but put smiles on these kids’ faces, and that’s all we plan to do.”
These words might sound modest, but they carry profound meaning.
A smile can be transformative. For a child battling illness, a moment of joy can provide relief from the daily grind of treatments and hospital stays.
For their families, it’s a reminder that they’re not alone in their struggles.
In many ways, what these athletes did mirrors the spirit of Christmas—a time of giving, compassion, and selflessness inspired by our Lord’s example.
At its core (no matter how much the world tries to convince us otherwise), Christmas celebrates God the Father’s ultimate act of generosity: the gift of his only Son.
It’s a season that calls us to reflect and reciprocate this divine love by giving of ourselves back to God and to others, especially the vulnerable.
The Knights and Panthers players embody this spirit beautifully.
Their visits weren’t grand or flashy but they carried the quiet power of presence, reminding the children that they’re valued and loved.
Sport has an incredible ability to unite and uplift. We cheer for our teams, celebrate their victories, and find solace in the escape they provide.
But moments like these remind us that the real value of athletes isn’t limited to what they do on the field. It’s in how they use their platform to serve and inspire beyond the game.
In his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis calls us to live out the joy of the Gospel by serving others:
“Life grows by being given away, and it weakens in isolation and comfort.”
The Knights and Panthers players lived this truth, stepping outside themselves to be Christ-like to these children.
As fans, it’s easy to place athletes on pedestals and focus solely on their performances. But these visits remind us that they are more than players—they are people, capable of incredible generosity.
And their actions challenge us to reflect: how can we give more of ourselves this Christmas?
You don’t need to be a professional athlete to make an impact. A kind word, a helping hand, or simply being present can make all the difference.
This Christmas, let’s take a page from the Knights and Panthers, and remember the power of looking beyond ourselves and giving.
In doing so, we not only bring joy to others (which is needed more than ever), but we also grow closer to the heart of Christ.