Starlight Ambassador since 2017
"It's such a simple idea - to make kids smile in hospital - and that's what Starlight gives sick kids who are going through incredible hardships." - Sam Thaiday
Rugby League Legend Sam Thaiday's playing career took off when he signed with the Brisbane Broncos in 2003. He went on to spend all of his career at the club winning the 2006 Premiership.
He has played an impressive 29 matches for Queensland in the State of Origin and has over 30 test caps to his name representing Australia. One of the most highly regarded and respected players in the League, Sam is also known for his community involvement.
Sam has been awarded the Ken Stephen Medal for his outstanding commitment to a wide range of community and charity activities most notably, in Indigenous health.
As the father of two girls, Sam says his involvement with Starlight was an obvious choice.
"I have young daughters who've spent some time in hospital, so I've seen first-hand how important Starlight's work is for sick kids and their families," he said.
Sam generously gives his time to visit the Starlight Express Room at Queensland Children's Hospital and loves to muck around with the kids and Captain Starlight! One of his favourite memories was delighting a young Broncos fan and long-term patient, for her birthday.
He has also brought much-needed festive cheer visiting sick kids in hospital at Christmas time, and recently surprised a young fan by hand-delivering his Starlight Wish computer and accessories. The family were overjoyed! Sam said, "I'm a joker at heart so I know how important it is to lighten the mood and have some fun during difficult times. Positive distraction is the best when times are tough."
When asked what he likes most about his involvement with Starlight, Sam says it's seeing the difference Captain Starlight makes to kids in hospital.
"The Captains always make kids smile. No matter what kind of day they're having, as soon as the kids are in the Starlight Express Room they can laugh and have fun."
We are inspired by Sam's enthusiasm and commitment to helping so many sick kids and can’t thank him enough for his generous support as a Starlight Ambassador.
ABOUT: Rugby League Legend Sam spent his entire career with the Broncos. In 2011, he was awarded the Captaincy and went on to win the Dally M Award for Best Second Row Player. Sam was also named in the Indigenous Australia Rugby League Team of the Century. He retired from NRL at the end of the 2018 season, cementing himself in an elite club of players having played over 300 games for one club. Sam now has a career in media, and sports commentary for the NRL. In 2024 he was crowned “King” of the Jungle on ‘I’m a Celebrity get me out of here’ raising vital funds for charity.