Watch the beautiful moment NRL star carries a fan back to his wheelchair after a game

Melbourne Storm enforcer Christian Welch has won the hearts of rugby league fans with a heartwarming post-match moment. 

Young fan Angus Hopkins, 11, who has cerebral palsy was brought down to the field to meet his heroes following the NRL indigenous round clash between Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.

Footage has emerged of Welch walking up the stairs of the stands carrying the boy in his arms to return Angus to his family.

The Queensland Origin star carefully places the boy back in his wheelchair and spends a few moments chatting to Angus’ family.

The beautiful tear-jerking moment was filmed by indigenous athlete and model Stevie Murdoch, who was nearby sitting in the stands.

The NRL star then carefully places Angus back in his wheelchair

NRL star Christian Welch has been flooded with public praise for this post-game gesture for young fan Angus Hopkins on Thursday night

‘Christian made me cry when I saw this,’ Ms Murdoch told Daily Mail Australia.

‘The media never takes the time to show this side of league that impacts soo positively on these kids lives…especially when it comes to Angus and his family.’ 

‘It shows the positive impact these players can have to fans and kids like Angus. It’s also shows there needs to be more done for these kids and fans to be able to have easier access for the games too.’

Welch has known Angus and his family since their heartbreaking plight made headlines around Australia in 2019.

Angus’ mother Jody Ezzy revealed at the time her young son was forced to resort to using a wheelbarrow to get around the family farm after his new wheelchair was delayed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The family had been told it could take up to another two years before the $26,000 wheelchair could get approved.

NRL fan Angus Hopkins (pictured with his new wheelchair in 2019) was given the royal treatment by one of his heroes after Thursday night's match

NRL fan Angus Hopkins (pictured with his new wheelchair in 2019) was given the royal treatment by one of his heroes after Thursday night’s match

Stevie Murdoch (pictured) said the Welch's kind-hearted moment meant a lot to Angus and his family

Stevie Murdoch (pictured) said the Welch’s kind-hearted moment meant a lot to Angus and his family

Angus had been waiting for nearly a year for a new motorised wheelchair after he outgrew his old one and it became too difficult and dangerous to use.

The family received generous offers from people willing to help, but turned it down to highlight the issues within the NDIS instead.

Angus eventually received his long-awaited electric wheelchair several months after his story sparked public outrage.

Angus’ heartbreaking plight struck a chord with Welch, who took to social media to ask for help in getting in contact with the family, so he could arrange something for them ahead of the upcoming Magic Round at the time.

He has remained in touch with Angus and his family in the two years since and arranged for them to travel down from Toowoomba for Thursday night’s match and meet Storm and Broncos players after the match.

Angus Hopkins' story broke the hearts of Christian Welch and other TV viewers across the country in 2019

Angus Hopkins’ story broke the hearts of Christian Welch and other TV viewers across the country in 2019

Ms Murdoch said Welch taking time out to ensure Angus had a great night meant a lot to his family, despite the Broncos’ 40-12 loss against the Storm.

‘Christian brought Angus down from his wheelchair to meet everyone from both sides and commentary team then brought him back up afterwards,’ she told Daily Mail Australia.

‘Safe to say they held back their tears but smiled with joy. They had a good chat with Christian before everyone left.’

‘Angus was a Broncos supporter but more so a Storm supporter throughout because Christian’s such a big impact on his life as well as his best mate.’

The footage has since gone viral online with Welch inundated with praise for the gesture.

Christian Welch then spent a few minutes chatting to Angus and his family in the stands before heading into the dressing room

Christian Welch then spent a few minutes chatting to Angus and his family in the stands before heading into the dressing room

Christian Welch arranged for Angus Hopkins (left) and mum Jody Ezzy (right) to travel down from Toowoomba for Thursday night's game

Christian Welch arranged for Angus Hopkins (left) and mum Jody Ezzy (right) to travel down from Toowoomba for Thursday night’s game

‘Christian Welch is one of the most special men in our game . Well spoken , great personality . Kind and gentle but one of the toughest men to ever play our game . Thank you for giving joy to those who are less advantaged than ourselves. Please keep helping the young people .,You are one amazing man,’ one fan wrote.

Another added: ‘This guy is in the stands regular after Storm games and what a true sportsman should be in a role model way.’

Even Melbourne Storm critics were impressed.

‘They might be a club I love to hate, but a champion bloke like Welch makes it that little bit harder,’ one fan commented.

Welch is expected to be named in the Queensland Maroons squad when it’s announced on Sunday night ahead of the State of Origin opener on June 9. 

Christian Welch (pictured training last week) has been hailed by fans online as one of NRL's good guys

Christian Welch (pictured training last week) has been hailed by fans online as one of NRL’s good guys