‘World’s fastest man’: NRL ballboy steals the show, becomes instant cult hero

A Melbourne Storm ballboy stole the show and has become an internet sensation for matching it with the very best in the NRL.

A Melbourne Storm ballboy has become a cult hero for keeping pace with NRL hotshot Jahrome Hughes on Anzac Day.

Early in the first half of Melbourne’s 70-10 thumping of the Warriors at AAMI Park, Ryan Papenhuyzen pounced on a loose ball near his own tryline before passing inside to Hughes, who ran 70m to score.

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As the halfback charged towards the paint, 16-year-old Robbie Cliff was also sprinting down the touchline, his long flocks flowing in the breeze.

The high-school student’s ability to stay level with Hughes as he motored away from Warriors defenders caught the attention of plenty on social media, and even scored him a shout-out on Fox Sports program The Back Page on Tuesday.

“What’s more, they’ve unearthed another star with this ballkid, who was the only person who could come close to Jahrome Hughes,” host Tony Squires said.

“And he’s got Ryan Papenhuyzen’s hair.”

AFL legend Brad Johnson added: “That is brilliant, look at that!

“We’ve gotta keep an eye on him — he'll make his debut in about three years’ time for the Melbourne Storm.”

The standout performer in last night’s win…with some guy called Jahrome. #NRLpic.twitter.com/j92IeIVqmM

— Roast (@thenrlroast) April 25, 2022

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Cliff said he wants to play in the NRL down the track and revealed his friends have a new nickname for him.

“I actually think I was just as fast as Jahrome. I think I’m quick,” Cliff said.

“All my mates have been calling me the ‘world’s fastest man’, and there’s been all the stuff on TikTok and Instagram. It’s a bit surreal. I let him (Hughes) catch up to me, but I got him in the end.”

However, as all good fathers do, Cliff’s dad Jason is making sure to keep his son’s feet firmly on the ground.

“When it comes to speed I’d say he’s average,” Jason told the Sydney Morning Herald. “He had a 10m headstart, and the camera angle was kind to him. It’s a great story.

“If I’m being honest, he’s actually slower, but you never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

“Some of the comments on social media were very good and included the Dolphins picking (him) up on a five-year deal and, ‘Who’s that ballboy? He looks like he’s 31’. He’s only 16.”