TOAST OF IGG Y GIVES CLASS INSPIRATION

THERE was a hug for the toast- room lady and words of inspiration for students at Ignatius Park college when Cowboys halfback Michael Morgan dropped by yesterday.

About 1000 students welcomed the star player and former Iggy Park old boy, who spoke about mental health and the importance of sticking by your mates.

For Year 12 student Harrison Leslie, 15, it was an opportunity to meet his hero.

“He is always someone I have looked up to,” Harrison said. “He told us it is not weak to speak up, if we need help.”

Kath Allen, 78, ( pictured) said Morgan was in Year 8, when he would volunteer in the toast room, where students can go to eat breakfast before school.

“He used to come in as young as Grade 8 and butter toast and in those days I was the only one who was allowed to spread the Nutella because it was too expensive to waste,” Mrs Allen said.

“Nobody else could do it, so we put Michael on an apprenticeship and I taught him how to spread the Nutella.” Mrs Allen, who has been working the toast room for more than 20 years and still helps out four days a week, said it was a treat to see one of her favourite past students.

“It was a lovely afternoon, he gave me a hug and signed my own State of Origin shirt for me, which I wear three times a year,” she said.

Morgan, who is an advocate for youth mental health, told students he did not see himself as anyone special but was merely following a dream he has had since he was a little boy.

He gifted the school his 2015 premiership- winning jersey and to Kath Allen, his first State of Origin jersey.