Toowoomba kids meet their hero

SINCE the age of three, Hagen Byrnes admits he has been a mad Broncos fan.

Now at the tender age of 11, the young footy enthusiast has finally met one of his favourite players – Darius Boyd.

The Broncos captain was in town on Saturday for a meet and greet at Clifford Gardens in aid of the 2018 Clifford Gardens Toowoomba Hospital Children’s Appeal.

“It was awesome (to meet him),” Hagen said, decked out in his Broncos jersey. “I’m a big fan.”

Young Hagen was one of hundreds of kids who turned out to meet and greet Boyd on Saturday.

Boyd said he had done lots with the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation in the past and was happy to spend his Saturday morning putting smiles on kids faces.

“Toowoomba’s a great rugby league town. They love their footy,” he said.

This year’s Children’s Appeal is hoping to raise $120,000 between now and the new year to bring two new OmniBed incubators to the Toowoomba Hospital’s special care nursery to help sick, premmie and high-risk babies.

Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO Alison Kennedy said the Foundation was extremely excited to welcome Darius to Toowoomba for the fun morning of footy and fundraising.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Darius for taking the time to come and visit us.”

Photos: Bev Lacey STAR STRUCK: Samantha McQuade and Jason Jeffries with their children Kaliep, Ebony and Caitlin were excited to meet Brisbane Broncos captain Darius Boyd at Clifford Gardens.

Summer and Hunter Green proudly display their t-shirt signed by Darius Boyd.

Hagen Byrnes was thrilled to meet his idol, Broncos captain Darius Boyd at Clifford Gardens on Saturday as part of fundraising for the annual Toowoomba Hospital Appeal.