Cowboys in Capes lift spirits of shark attack survivor
After almost 50 days in hospital and 11 surgeries following a shark attack, 14-year-old Samuel Nai from Thursday Island received a surprise visit that lifted his spirits at just the right time.
North Queensland Toyota Cowboys players Tom Mikaele and Bree Chester dropped by as part of a special Cowboys in Capes visit, presented by Sun Metals and delivered in collaboration with Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia.
Sam’s mum, Shanna, said the timing couldn’t have been better.
“Tom and Bree just came at the right time because we’ve been here 47 days today… It’s refreshing to have the local football club come in and pay a visit. It’s emotional for Sam because he is a rugby league fan. He’ll remember this for a long time,” Shanna said.
Sam was bitten on the torso in waters off Thursday Island in the Torres Strait in October and suffered significant blood loss, life-threatening injuries to his abdomen and internal organs and was taken to Thursday Island Hospital before being flown to Townsville for surgery.
Despite the long road to recovery, Sam is showing incredible resilience.
“Yesterday was his 11th surgery… with still more to come. But he walked again today with the physio, so he’s doing extremely well—mentally strong, physically strong,” she said.
Cowboys forward Thomas Mikaele said meeting Sam was a powerful reminder of what matters most.
“It was inspiring to see Sam in such high spirits despite everything he’s going through. He was smiling and happy to have a chat with Bree and I - it felt like a nice distraction for him and a bit of excitement after spending so long in hospital,” he said.
“Moments like this really put things into perspective. Sam and his mum will have to spend Christmas here in Townsville away from family, so I think knowing they’re not alone in this journey was special for them.”
The family has been staying at Ronald McDonald House, while Sam receives care at the Townsville University Hospital.
“The Ronald McDonald House is a safe space… You can take off your armour, rest, then put it back on again and face the new day. In this situation, you play a lot more roles than you would at home — support person, advocate, pillar. Ronald McDonald House allows you to breathe so you can be what you need to be when your child needs you.”
“This incident doesn’t define who Sam is… Different is neither good nor bad — it’s just different. And how we respond to that determines how we work through it.”
The visit wasn’t just about meeting sporting heroes — it was about reminding Sam and his family that they’re not alone. Thanks to Sun Metals, the Cowboys, and Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia, moments like these bring hope and strength when it’s needed most.
