Origin Legend Delights Biggest Fan

When Bolton Clarke At Home client Brian Hammond, 81, sat down to watch a recording of one of his favourite State of Origin league matches in his Sunshine Coast, Queensland home this week he had no idea what was about to unfold.

The promise of a signed cap from his sporting hero and Sunshine Coast resident Billy Moore soon turned into a special surprise visit, with Moore making himself comfortable on Brian’s couch.

“I’ll never have that seat here washed again, because he sat right there,” Brian said.

The series of events brought tears to the eyes of Bolton Clarke Personal Care Worker, Emma Cummings, who organised the special exchange.

During one of her regular visits to Brian they got talking about his love of rugby league.

A former player himself, he mentioned Moore was his favourite league hero.

Little did he know, Emma was friends with the Moore family.

Moore said when Emma approached him to sign a cap for Brian, he knew he could go one better.

“Rugby league was my vehicle to move up in the world,” he said.

“I loved every moment of it and I love that decades on I’m still being remembered by people like Brian.

“It’s a great feeling to walk in meet him and see myself on his TV screen.”

Bolton Clarke’s Sunshine Coast At Home Support manager Penny McWilliams said it was an honour to care for people like Brian.

“If we can make a little difference, then that’s why we do what we do.”

Brian’s wife Val, who was also overcome with emotion, described the exchange as “the nicest thing anyone has ever done for (Brian).”

“It’s very nice that Billy took the time to come out and see Brian,” she said.

“It’s made Brian’s day very special.”

Find out more about Bolton Clarke. 

Pictured: Brian Hammond (right) and Billy Moore talk rugby league as Billy shares stories of his time in the NRL.