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Riverside Rugby Club junior Ned Aylward played rugby with the big kids on Saturday night when he ran onto Suncorp Stadium as a Suncorp Ball Kid for the QR Reds.

Ned entered a state-wide competition to be one of seven Suncorp Ball Kids at a Reds game during the 2008 Super 14 season. 

He performed ball kid duties when the Reds played the Crusaders in Brisbane on Saturday 10 May 2008. 

Ned’s Mum Julie said Ned nearly dropped to the ground when he found out he won the competition.

“Ned has been playing Rugby for four years now and is a huge Reds fan. This was the first time he has watched them play at Suncorp Stadium,” Mrs Aylward said.

“He was thrilled to meet some of his favourite Reds players.”
 
Julie said Ned’s debut with the Reds was the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

“You can’t get a better present than to watch your son live his dream and run out on the field with the team he supports wholeheartedly.

“You really can’t put a value on the opportunity and what it meant to Ned.”

As a Suncorp Ball Kid Ned not only had the opportunity to meet some of the players but he also performed ball kid duties during the match.  He received an official Suncorp Ball Kid uniform and a Suncorp rugby gift-pack including a Reds supporter scarf, cap and overnight bag.

Ned’s prize also included return limousine transfers to Suncorp Stadium and three tickets for his family to attend the match.

Simone Green, Suncorp Sponsorships, said Suncorp was thrilled to offer Ned the money-can’t-buy opportunity.

“The Suncorp Ball Kid competition is all about developing junior rugby at the grass roots level and allowing young players to experience rugby union at a professional level,” Ms Green said.

“It’s great to see sports mad kids like Ned win this amazing prize.  I’m sure he will never forget running out on the field at Suncorp Stadium with his Reds heroes.”

One more keen Reds fan will be a Suncorp Ball Kid when the Reds take on the Waratahs at home on May 17 2008.