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Footy stars' incredible response to tragic video of bully victim

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·4-min read

The Indigenous All Stars and Latrell Mitchell have extended an invitation to young Quaden Bayles after his mother posted a heartbreaking video of the youngster after he had been bullied.

Yarraka Bayles, mother of Quaden, posted a video to Facebook showing the impacts of bullying on her nine-year-old son.

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Quaden was diagnosed with achondroplasia – a common form of dwarfism - and in the devastating video the nine-year-old asks his mother: “Give me a knife – I want to kill myself”.

Nine-year-old Quaden Bayles crying.
The Indigenous All Stars have reached out to nine-year-old Quaden Bayles after his mother posted a video explaining why he was in hysterics. (Images: Facebook)

The video, viewed more than five million times caught the attention of the Indigenous All Stars team who posted a heartwarming video back to the youngster.

“Hey Quaden. How’re you going Cuz? We just want to wish you all the best brother,” Mitchell says as he stands with the team in solidarity.

“We know you’re going through a hard time right now. But the boys are here and we’ve got your back. We’re here to support you bud.

“We just want to make sure that you’re doing alright. And make sure that (you know) your mum’s on your side and we’re on your side. Just make sure you’re just thinking the right things bud. Cos we want you around and we want you to lead us out on the weekend.

“It’s going to mean more to us than it will to you, bud. Just make sure you’re looking after yourself and hopefully we’re going to see you in the next couple of days.”

The whole team cheers following Mitchell’s message.

Following the invitation, it was reported Quaden has accepted the offer and will lead the team out for their clash with the Maori All-Stars on Saturday.

The heartbreaking story caught the attention of the wider NRL community and Maori All Stars player Brad Takairangi said he would seek young Quaden out to also show his support.

Rugby Union and former All Blacks star Lima Sopoaga also expressed his heartbreak at the video.

Yarraka Bayles explains in the video she filmed her son in hysterics to show the impact bullying was having on children.

“All it takes is one more incident and you wonder why kids are killing themselves,” she said in the video.

“This is the impact that bullying has on a nine-year-old kid.”

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, find help by visiting White Ribbon or calling 1800 RESPECT.