It will be an exciting night for youngster Elizabeth Seath, who has been given the honour of being a "ball kid" for tonight's match between the Maori All Blacks and the Lions.
Elizabeth, 9, was diagnosed with leukaemia last August and is undergoing treatment at Starship Hospital.
After hearing shewas a big sports fan, Lions series sponsors ASB and DHL invited Elizabeth and her big brother Ned, 12, to be the official ball kids - running the ball on to the field.
Elizabeth Sneath. Photo/Stephen Parker
Yesterday Elizabeth got to meet Maori All Blacks captain Ash Dixon and players Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Ben May at the ASB Bank in Rotorua.
Elizabeth said she was excited, especially to have Ned alongside her when she ran the ball out. Her family, including eldest brother Jack, 14, would be in the stands supporting the duo.
Despite being a rugby fan, Elizabeth said she didn't have a favourite player.
"I've been to rugby games before, mostly Chiefs versus Blues, and in every single game the Chiefs have always beat the Blues. I don't know how to play rugby but it seems cool."
She predicted the Maori All Blacks would take the victory over the Lions tonight, and said it was nice to be back in Rotorua.
Elizabeth grew up in Atiamuri, but because her family are dairy farmers, they recently moved to Morrinsville.
She will continue to have regular treatment at Starship for 18 months.
Her mum Nicola Seath said Elizabeth was excited but a bit nervous before meeting the players.
"She's very excited she can share the experience with her big brother Ned. We're a bit of a rugby family, though our eldest Jack is a Blues fan but we forgive him."
Elizabeth Seath (right) smiles at Maori All Blacks player Tawera Kerr-Barlow. Photo/Stephen Parker
After the meet and greet, the players and Elizabeth moved outside Central Mall to collect donations using ASB donation balls.
Mrs Seath said that had been an awesome opportunity to help Starship.
"They are an amazing organisation. We wouldn't be here without their help."
Dixon said it was "pretty cool" to be able to make a difference for children like Elizabeth.
"It's awesome to be able to give her a chance to get better and put a smile back on her face. I hope we raise a lot of money for Starship."
Dixon said it had been a busy week and the team were excited to get out and play.
"We enjoy helping out at stuff like this, especially when it's with kids."
Kerr-Barlow said as a father of two kids, Starship was an organisation close to his heart.
"You don't want to see kids sick, especially when you have kids yourself. It's awesome we are able to help."
Also getting to meet the players were senior students from Horohoro School.
"They look up to rugby players and other sporting heroes. Our school is almost all Maori students so to engage with the Maori All Blacks is something special," said principal Eden Chapman.
