AS ONE gladiator sat watching the World Club Challenge from the stands there was another on the pitch who stood tall among giants of rugby league.

Twelve-year-old bone cancer sufferer Harrison Ledsham will never forget the moment he led out Saints for their clash with South Sydney. Not even the 39-0 result against the men in the red-vee could dampen his spirits.

As he stood alongside Saints captain Jon Wilkin in the tunnel at Langtree Park, South owner Russell Crowe gave the youngster a high-five.

Proud mum Karen, 42, said: “As they were in the tunnel he kept looking towards Greg Inglis because he’s his favourite Aussie player.

“When he came over and shook Harrison’s hand on the pitch he was made up. And he’s not stopped smiling.

“A lot of Saints players knew Harrison after visiting him at home and were giving him a pat on the back.”

Last summer Harrison had his left leg amputated. He was chosen to carry out the match ball after Afghanistan veteran Andy Reid, one of the co-founders of the charity Amputation Inspiration Motivation (AIM) contacted Saints chief executive Mike Rush.

Harrison also met comedians Adam Hills and Alex Brooker, the stars of the Channel 4 show The Last Leg.

Karen said: “He loves that programme because they are amputees. As we were buying a programme Harrison shouted Adam Hills as if he knew him and he came over for a photo.

“In the end the result didn’t matter. For Harrison it was more about the atmosphere.

“As we stood outside the stadium someone recognised Harrison from the paper. My dad said it won’t be long before people are asking for his autograph.