Mini Maroons: Riley brushes off cancer to return 'home'

"I love footy, you know, it's just my home.”

Riley Tierney considers himself one of the lucky ones - back on the field with his mates after a scary cancer challenge he tackled head on.

Now in under 13s at Ipswich club Swifts, the talented five-eighth is less than nine months removed from his diagnosis of Burkitt's leukaemia and lymphoma.

After complaining of back and jaw pain, and otherwise unexplained loose teeth, scans revealed an 11-centimetre tumour - which 48 hours later had tripled in size - putting pressure on his spine and eventually limiting movement in his right leg.

Courses of radiotherapy and chemotherapy helped urgently treat the rare and aggressive form of cancer.

“It's definitely a real shock. I mean, I never thought I'd be battling cancer and then having to get back on the field and, you know, recovering my legs and all that and going through a rough time like this," Riley said.

“The first time back was a bit overwhelming, you know, just being back on that field after everything.

"I was definitely a bit unfit after everything, but just being back on the field with the boys that I've known since I was, like seven, you know, it's really heartwarming and I definitely love being back out there."

Riley has always been the big talker on the field trying to rally his team but this time it was the club and the rugby league community getting behind him to keep his trademark positivity through all the ups and downs.

The club fundraised to help him access a new iPhone and he had several visits and videos from his favourite Brisbane Broncos players, including Maroons forward Patrick Carrigan. 

Riley was one of the first to learn Carrigan was selected for Australia's World Cup squad.

"He's a real leader on the field and he's really big just like me. I'm a pretty big boy, so it's a bit relatable to be, you know, big size and kind of just that leader position as I play five-eighth," he said.

“He's really, he talks on the field a lot and it's just really inspirational to have someone like him come visit.”

His dad, Patrick, said he was amazed with Riley's positive attitude throughout the process.

“He’s a pretty determined kid, especially on the field, but this was the biggest battle he’s ever had to face," Tierney said.

“At the end of the day he just wanted to get back to a bit of normality.

“He’s just stoked to be back on the field where he belongs."

Riley has even told family and teachers of his goals to give back and help other kids fighting health battles.

“I definitely think that being in the position of being in an oncology ward definitely gave me a bit of inspiration to my future job. I want to be an oncology surgeon," he said.

“I want to cut the tumours out or just really help kids. I know every kid can't end up like me making it out, but I want to try to save as many lives as I can."

Opponents rally for injured Rooster

A Wests Mitchelton team has gone above and beyond for Brighton Roosters player after suffering an injury during a match.

Denim McCormack broke his leg in an under 11 game between the two sides, with the Roosters praising their opponents for the care and support shown until the ambulance arrived.

But there was much more to come from the Wests Mitchelton Red team and the Panthers family, who raised money for gifts for Denim, including a signed footy and $200 worth of BCF vouchers for the keen fisherman.

The surprise was just what Denim needed after a tough time, and he faces a long road to recovery.

"The Brighton Roosters would like to thank Mitchy president Mike Liddle, Secretary Shoni Pearce and the entire Wests Mitchy U11’s team for being so thoughtful towards our player’s wellbeing. A very proud club with an amazing heart," the club and family said in a social media post.

Leading the way with a 'heart of gold'

A young Tugun Seahawk is doing his late 'Poppy' and the club mantra of "one club, one family" proud with his efforts around the club week to week.

Under 14 player Tom Nichols, grandson of founding member Peter Nichols, has always been willing to help with anything when he's not tearing around the field but this year has taken it upon himself to be the lead kitchen hand in the canteen, where the club always struggles to find volunteers. 

The club now claims 'Tommy' - as well as being a great kid with a heart of gold - to be one of the best hot chip cookers in rugby league, on top of the brilliant work he does fundraising, setting up fields or running water.