NRL Indigenous All Stars reaching out to Quaden Bayles shows the good in sport

It rests not in a silky Kalyn Ponga sidestep or the sight of Josh Addo-Carr in full flight during the NRL All Stars game.

Rather it lives in the image of a nine-year-old boy whose story has captured hearts around the world.

Bully victim Quaden Bayles will lead the Indigenous All Stars onto the park for their clash with the Maori All Stars.

This is why sport is so important. This shows rugby league - and rival codes for that matter - is more than what many perceive as a game played by boofheads.

For every story about a player allegedly assaulting police officers after a boozy night out or allegations of sexual assault - neither of which are to be taken lightly - there is one like this.

Quaden has been diagnosed with achondroplasia - the most common form of dwarfism - and been the victim of incessant bullying.

MORE SPORT

That much was clear to see when the heartbreaking video posted by his mother Yarraka Bayles went viral with more than 15 million views.

In the backseat of a car was a distressed kid with tears in his eyes talking about killing himself in a graphic reminder of the impact bullying can have.

Some have struggled to get through the entire video, yet the influx of support which followed soon after it was posted has been nothing short of remarkable.

The Indigenous All Stars squad have invited Quaden into camp after reaching out to him in a video shared by the NRL on social media.

"Hey Quaden. How are you going cuz? We just want to wish you all the best brother," rugby league star Latrell Mitchell said in the video.

"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, because 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 AFL's Brisbane Lions have reached out, so too the Brisbane Roar soccer club. Former International Boxing Federation world champion Billy Dib has offered boxing lessons.

Quaden's is a story which transcends sport too. American comedian and actor Brad Williamson was also born with achondroplasia, and he set up a GoFundMe page designed to send Quaden to Disneyland.

The $10,000 goal was shattered within hours as the funds soared into six-figure territory. Even Hugh Jackman chimed in with a message of support.

Then there is the story of Patty Mills, who made a mad dash home to Australia during the NBA's All-Star break to support bushfire-ravaged communities.

The Canberra-born San Antonio Spur visited three country towns in NSW, dropping two tray beds full of nectarines at a local school and purchasing generators, torches, portable stoves, batteries, water and non-perishables for communities.

Mills visited animal sanctuaries and played basketball with locals at a relief centre.

One of sport's great traits rests in the interaction between competitors and fans.

The ACT Brumbies are letting fans on the field at Canberra Stadium after five of their home Super Rugby matches this season.

The sight of Sia Soliola leading euphoric Canberra Raiders fans in a post-game Viking clap is iconic.

Head to a Canberra Capitals game at the AIS Arena during their WNBL playoff campaign and everybody gets a chance to meet the players representing their city.

Few could forget the smile of a young girl after she gets a chance to meet her idols, or the look on super fan Maia's face when she crosses paths with Capitals star Kelsey Griffin - with matching jerseys and leg sleeves to boot.

When sport's public image is hurting thanks to the off-field actions of a few, these are the moments so many will cherish.