See the heartwarming moment footy great turned coach Sam Burgess makes an incredible gesture to a player with Down syndrome
Sometimes the greatest words come from unexpected places, as former NRL star and now coach Sam Burgess learned during his time at Warrington Wolves.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs premiership hero and Clive Churchill Medal winner has guided Wolves to third on the Super League ladder ahead of their final round clash with the London Broncos this weekend.
This included them thrashing the cleaners 66-0 through Huddersfield in their last game.
That’s why, prior to their final regular season game against the Broncos, Burgess turned to the smallest member of their roster, who also has the biggest heart, to give a speech.
Oliver Thomason has Down syndrome, a genetic condition that causes intellectual disability and developmental delay.
His brother Craig runs The Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation, which has worked closely with the club to set up a wheelchair league and a new competition for players like Oliver with learning disabilities.
He was invited to the club’s last training session to meet the players, where he was kindly offered by Burgess.
Oliver is more than just a Wolves superfan. He gets to wear the kit in the Learning Disability Super League and is seen as a team member by the first year students.
He was also appointed as an official inclusion ambassador for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
It’s no surprise then that Sam wrapped his big arms around Oliver and had him give a speech to the team before the big game.
Warrington Wolves manager Sam Burgess handed the ball to Oliver Thomason during the final team meeting and had him address the team ahead of their match against the London Broncos
Oliver was given the opportunity to play for Warrington in the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League
“There’s an important game in this stadium tomorrow, so guys, make sure no one can pass you,” Oliver told the team.
“Formations, this guy, big Sam, always get these guys energized, Danny Walker and you too, boy,” he said to loud laughter, appearing to poke fun at one of the players.
“And make it our year, and listen, don’t let the London Broncos control your team,” he continued.
‘We are the Wolves and we are going to win until next, next season. All we have to do is beat the Wolves!’
It was an emotional speech that left the players cheering and the fans praising Burgess for giving Oliver his moment in the spotlight.
“Awesome Oliver, this is a great team talk, I’m sure it will motivate the team,” someone wrote.
‘[Former Derby County and Nottingham Forest manager] “Brian Clough couldn’t have done it better,” added another.
“Awww we love you Oli, so do the boys and the boss,” posted another fan.
Burgess (pictured with partner Lucy Graham and their daughter Robbie) is a debutant coach at Warrington but has led the club to the finals in his first year
Craig Thomason (left) has been a champion for his brother Oliver (right) as he helped create the Learning Disability Super League so he could play the game he loves.
Oliver, 32, recently spoke of the emotion he felt when he was allowed to be part of his beloved club not only behind the scenes, but also on the pitch – thanks to his brother.
“There was a big gap between playing at school and now,” he said BBC.
‘When I was young, all I wanted to do was be on a team, a rugby team, so I could score, pass and do whatever I’m going to do. Now I’m that person.
‘I’m doing well, I’m getting the crowd following us, I see what I’ve accomplished from when I was young to now.
“Craig is more than a brother, he’s my buddy and my coach. I love him to bits.”
But Craig doesn’t think he inspired his brother; he believes Oliver inspired him and many others in Warrington.
“Looking back on those footballing days and Oliver being around me, it probably shaped what I do now,” Craig told BBC Sport.
‘For the 90s it was really progressive. For my teammates it was second nature that Oliver was playing.
‘I don’t remember much about my life before Oliver, but I do remember my mom and dad coming to my house for the first time and telling me about Oliver. They said he would be a little different from us, but he would just need a little extra time to learn things.
“I just thought, ‘Okay.’ This is Oliver and that’s who he is. He needs some time, but include him.”