Pride of Australia: Boy’s brave battle with neurofibromatosis

This 12-year-old hasn’t let his condition slow him down — and his extraordinary courage has attracted attention in high places.

Nicholas Daisley is a keen AFL fan and player. Picture: Steve Vit

NICHOLAS Daisley could be one of Queensland’s toughest kids, and the 12-year-old from Rockhampton also has fans in high places.

Mother Dannielle and father Philip Daisley are enormously proud of their 12-year-old son, and now not only has he been nominated for a Pride of Australia award, he has been recognised by one of AFL’s greats, Lions legend Luke Power.

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Born with neurofibromatosis, Nicholas has a large benign tumour on his face, is partially deaf and has a prosthetic eye.

But he doesn’t let his condition or his frame hold him back, playing AFL up against boys at least three years older.

It has earned him kudos from Power, who said Nicholas was “truly inspirational and someone that we should commend”.

Taekwondo is one of Nicholas Daisley’s many activities. Picture: Steve Vit

“In an age where we are far too heavily absorbed in superficial things, Nicholas, his family and friends demonstrate the values that are most important like resilience, toughness, acceptance, loyalty and compassion,” Power said.

“Every Australian should aspire to Nicholas’ spirit and courage.”

His love of sport began at a young age and Nicholas says it’s something he’s always remembered watching, even from the crib.

“When I was older I started taking it in, when I was five, I asked mum if there were any teams I could play footy in, and ever since then I’ve tried to be like some of my favourite footballers,” he said.

“It’s just something I want to be when I grow up.

“Sometimes I’m up against the biggest on the team, sometimes the smallest, I just don’t worry who’s beside me and just try to get in the game wherever I can.”

His mother said he struggled against older kids “but he just gets out there”.

“Even in the off-season he’s running water for the rugby league boys, he’s doing taekwondo and now he’s training hard to go and have a go at the AFL Gold Coast Suns development team in November,” Mrs Daisley said.

“He’s training to have a go with those boys, he won’t make the team but at least he’s training hard so he can go there and show them what he can do.”

Now in their 15th year, the Pride of Australia awards seek to unearth and honour ordinary Australians who make an extraordinary contribution to communities.

News Corp Australia, publisher of The Courier-Mail is partnering with Australia Post and Seven news to stage the 2019 awards.

Nominations are open at prideofaustralia.com.au until October 21.