Double lung transplant recipient Heath Lewis was given the rarest of opportunities this week as he sat in with the Queensland Origin team for their official photo.
Lewis met the Maroons in 2017 as an end-stage cystic fibrosis sufferer who was expected to live just a few months.
He rode in the team bus to Suncorp Stadium, had a guided tour of the change rooms and grabbed photos and autographs with the team.
In November in a last-ditch bid to preserve his life, Lewis underwent major surgery to replace his lungs.
Mother Sherrie Lewis revealed it had been a "very challenging six months" in the meantime, but Heath had pulled through after suffering multiple strokes and other setbacks.
Sherrie contacted team officials to see if Heath could attend team training before Origin III, but manager Steve Walters decided to go above and beyond by getting him to pose alongside the Queensland stars.
The day of the photo was Heath's 24th birthday.
"I thought it would really boost his spirits and aid his recovery if he could see the team again," Sherrie said.
"He has always said he wished he could meet back up with the team to show him them he pulled through.
"Heath wanted to tell the Maroons they've inspired him to carry on, no matter what challenges have been put before him.
"After the transplant and the strokes he had to learn to read and write again, so it has been a steep road for him."
In an amazing coincidence, Heath shares his full name with the younger brother of State of Origin legend 'The King' Wally Lewis.
Heath's favourite current player is Billy Slater, who signed several keepsakes to give to the Maroons' superfan.
