His wish is to meet Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Eight-year-old Kainui is one brave kid, who endured a tough leukaemia journey.
Kainui is OBSESSED with rugby league, and his favourite team is the one and only Warriors! His favourite warrior is the amazing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, and at a past Warriors game, Kainui was so close to getting Dallin’s autograph but felt a bit too shy to push to the front like the other kids. So Kainui’s wish was to finally meet his hero and get some special one-on-one time with him.
Last month, Kainui’s wish came true! He and his family flew up to Auckland for the Warriors game on August 23. A VIP van from our sponsors at Ted Manson transported Kainui and his whānau to the Captain’s Run in style. After the game, Kainui finally got to meet Dallin.
Kainui’s mum Tash recaps their meeting beautifully:
“When Dallin first saw Kainui, he threw him a huge mana wave, one of the things Kainui loves about him. Kainui threw Dallin a mana wave back and there their bond began. This made me emotional.
“Spending time with his hero, Dallin was so present with Kainui, giving him his time and attention.
“Dallin talked a lot to Kainui about his journey to professional rugby league, sharing much of his story. This really gave Kainui inspiration to take Dallin’s advice and hopefully he can play professional rugby league one day too.
“Kainui couldn’t have picked a better hero. Dallin kept telling him how strong and brave he is and that if he can go through what he has, then he is strong enough to do anything he wishes in the future. I think this truly resonated with Kainui.”
And the absolute cherry on top – Dallin gave Kainui his own watch off his wrist – a beautiful keepsake that Kainui will have to always remember his special wish.
