GOLD COAST recruit Pearce Hanley is returning to Ireland to spend Christmas with his family, including his younger brother Tommy, who is suffering stage four cancer.

The Hanley family's spirits received a boost on Friday when former wrestler and movie star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson posted an Instagram video, wishing Tommy well and encouraging him in his medical fight.

"Tommy, you're 15 years old and I'm talking to you, buddy. You're in Ireland. You're a massive fan of mine and I appreciate that, I think it's so cool and so inspiring. You also have stage four cancer, and you're in the fight of your life," Johnson said.

"I'm told I have to remind you to eat to give you strength. You have to rest to give you strength. I'm told you have family coming in from Miami, Brisbane and London who are going to be by your side during the holidays.

"I was also told that at 11 months old, you were a foster child and this family took you in, and just last week, you wanted to change your name from O'Connor to Hanley, in honour of this family. In honour of your family.

"So I'm pulling for you man, I appreciate you being a fan, happy holidays and merry Christmas Tommy, stay strong," he said.

Hanley's younger brother and Brisbane Lions' rookie Cian is also going home over Christmas to spend time with Tommy.

The Suns have granted Pearce Hanley extra leave for the trip.

Hanley retweeted the video, in which Johnson signed off in the caption as "Uncle Rock aka Dwanta Claus".