Catterick Crusaders U9s player Jack Smith fought hard for his team as Crusaders took on Guiseley Rangers at half time during the Leeds Rhinos versus Hull FC match at Headingley Carnegie Stadium. However, unilke the rest of his team, Jack had been fighting his own battle just to get there, a battle he won!
Jack suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, and since he has been playing for Crusaders for the last two seasons he has made great strides in his health.
Unfortunately his condition occasionally get the better of him and in the lead up to the game at Rhinos, Jack was admitted to Leeds General Infirmary for a prolonged period which not only meant he missed Crusaders hosting the last North East Rugby League festival, but it put his appearance at his beloved Rhinos at risk.
During his stays in hospital Jack has worked hard on his physio sessions and despite being constantly attached to IV's he has kept that ever present smile, that saw him awarded the Chairman's Prize at last season's End of Season Awards, all in an effort to show his consultancy team he was strong enough to play in at half time on the 21st June.
On a special Facebook page about Jack's battle with Cystic Fibrosis, Jack's mum Emma explained,
"On Friday, his consultant and team gave the go ahead for Jack to have a day's leave from hospital and IV treatment to go and play! This morning he had his line taken out and off he went! l was so proud watching him and his team there on the pitch in front of more than 16,000 fans! Not to mention the great physio session rugby gives him.
"He's now tucked back up in his hospital bed but with the biggest grin on his face."
Catterick Crusader's are one of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation Ambassador Clubs and work as part of the network of clubs who meet regularly to improve the development of Rugby League around Yorkshire.
As part of the benefit of being a member club, all of the junior teams from under 11s down are invited to play at half time at a Leeds Rhinos game, a date which Jack refused to miss out on.
Jason Grant, who is Jack's coach at Catterick Crusader's added:
"Jack, we hope your stay in hospital is a short one and you are back with us shortly, you have shown us all what will power and desire really means."
Jack's next challenge will be to join his team mates at the Catterick Crusaders Summer Rugby Camp on the 29th July, where he can hopefully meet some of his hero's on the Leeds Rhinos first team squad.
The Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Rhinos Foundation would like to send their best wishes to Jack and his family and hope he can continue to enjoy his Rugby League and be involved with his friends at Catterick Crusaders.
Jack's Facebook page which raises awareness of Cystic Fibrosis can be found at https://www.facebook.com/jackscfjourney?fref=ts