Jayden Bruce had an experience to remember at Wests Tigers on Thursday, September 4 - for more reasons than one.

The seven-year-old received a special invitation from the team to attend training after hearing of his battles with illness over the years.

Jayden was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2003 and was given a 15 per cent chance of surviving.

"After four bouts of chemotherapy and approximately 20 operations, he is now in full remission which is considered a rare thing in the medical community," said godfather Christian Brookhouse.

"Jayden has followed Wests Tigers since he watched his first game of footy on television but has only attended two games because of his health."

After trying to 'lift' a few weights in the gymnasium, Jayden, his father Billy, and Christian, then sat down to watch the team train.
Wests Tigers Football Operations Manager Alan Mair presented Jayden with an actual match ball to keep.

However it didn't take long for Jayden to become more than just a spectator with lock Liam Fulton taking him under his wing.

Fulton took Jayden on the training field to watch the action closely before coach Tim Sheens instructed Jayden to "pick up the training pads and give us a hand".

In between enjoying some Gatorade with the players, Jayden did some kicking practice with Fulton and hooker Stuart Flanagan. The pair also acted as bodyguards to a menacing magpie keen to get the football off Jayden.

Following training, Jayden then got the chance to talk with the rest of the players and get his jersey signed.

"Jayden has had an absolute ball," Billy said.

"This visit will help lift his spirits as he has had a tough few years. I like to thank Wests Tigers for going out of their way to make Jayden feel welcome at training."

As Jayden left Concord Oval, he took one last look around for that magpie. It had gone. He left with a huge smile on his face - and another cup of red Gatorade.