Thumbs up: Thursday Island’s Samuel Nai welcomes Cowboys players Thomas Mikaele and Bree Chester to his hospital bed. Photo: North Queensland Cowboys.
After 11 surgeries in seven weeks, 14-year-old Samuel Nai from Thursday Island has received a surprise hospital visit to lift his spirits at just the right time.
North Queensland Cowboys players Tom Mikaele and Bree Chester dropped by to chat with the teenager, fighting his way back after a shark attack.
Sam’s mum, Shanna, said the timing couldn’t have been better.
“We’ve been here 47 days… It’s refreshing to have the local football club come in and pay a visit,” Shanna said.
“It’s emotional for Sam because he is a rugby league fan. He’ll remember this for a long time.”
Sam was bitten on the torso in waters off Thursday Island in October.
The teenager suffered significant blood loss, life-threatening injuries to his abdomen and internal organs. He was taken to Thursday Island Hospital before being flown to Townsville for surgery.
Despite the long road to recovery, Sam is showing incredible resilience.
“Yesterday was his 11th surgery… with still more to come,” she said.
“But he walked again today with the physio, so he’s doing extremely well – mentally strong, physically strong.”
Mikaele said meeting Sam was a powerful reminder of what mattered most.
“It was inspiring to see Sam in such high spirits despite everything he’s going through,” the Cowboys forward said.
“He was smiling and happy to have a chat with Bree and I – it felt like a nice distraction for him and a bit of excitement after spending so long in hospital.
“Moments like this really put things into perspective. Sam and his mum will have to spend Christmas here in Townsville away from family, so I think knowing they’re not alone in this journey was special for them.”
The family has been staying at Ronald McDonald House, while Sam receives care at Townsville University Hospital.
The visit was part of the Cowboys in Capes program, presented by Sun Metals and delivered in collaboration with Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia.
