Christopher McLeod-Barrett may be just nine years old, but he knows more about the Broncos than your average fan.
Born with a rare condition called Peters Anomaly which has left Christopher legally blind, the young Broncos fanatic doesn’t let that stop him from listening to every game and knowing all there is to know about the game and has big dreams about a career in radio.
An avid Broncos supporter – and budding weatherman – Christopher has already done some reporting on the weather for ABC Radio in Mt Isa and won rave reviews from the locals in western Queensland. You can watch his radio broadcast
His efforts caught the eye and ear of the Broncos media team, and the club decided to fly Christopher and his dad Chris from Mt Isa to Brisbane to experience his first live Broncos game, and have a crack at some player interviews while he was at it.
Corey Oates: "I am so happy I’m your favourite player, are you going to keep up with me when you run us out?".
"I am so happy I’m your favourite player, are you going to keep up with me when you run us out?"
Corey asked
"I’ll run you around so much, I’ll make you do a hundred laps"
Christopher joked
Christopher arrived on Wednesday and was met by Jharal Yow Yeh at the Brisbane Airport, before heading straight to Suncorp Stadium to check out the walk of fame with statues of Queensland heroes including Wally, Darren, Mal and Alfie.
The next day Christopher went one better and got the chance to walk on the hallowed turf of Suncorp, before watching the Broncos train one last time before their game. After meeting the players, Christopher got the chance to interview his favourite player Corey Oates, and throw him a few curly questions.
Christopher then lead the team out onto a packed Suncorp Stadium alongside captain Darius Boyd, and soaked up the once in a lifetime opportunity.
“I felt the heat of the flames and felt the excitement in my stomach, it was awesome”, said Christopher.
Although not the result we were after, Christopher was so excited with Kotoni Stagg’s last minute try and the atmosphere around the stadium. After the game he was back on the field to say goodbye to the players, and pass on some words of wisdom. “It’s not over yet and we have to focus on next week”, he told Boyd.
It is evident to everyone that meets Christopher that his passion for the game and commentary will lead to a career in the media.
At only nine years old, Christopher has a very bright future and we can’t wait to see him back at the club soon – and he’ll remain the Broncos Media Team’s “Junior Reporter” for a while to come yet!
