Losing the NRL grand final may have been one of the lowest points of James Graham's career but the fearless Canterbury prop overcame his disappointment to provide an 11-year-old boy with a gift he'll treasure forever.

Ali Jawad, his father Richard, uncle Malik and other family members stood behind a barrier of police to clap the beaten Bulldogs as they disembarked their team bus at midnight and, to their shock, Graham headed straight for the boy, pulled a towel from his bag and after handing it over, farewelled him with his trademark wink, before ruffling his hair and giving his famous thumbs up.

Supporters for life: Ali Jawad with his extended family of Bulldogs fans. Credit:Britta Campion

When Graham rejoined his teammates, Ali was stunned to discover the bounty that he'd received.

"I opened the towel and saw his jersey ... it had the date of the grand final printed on it ... and his socks and shorts were also wrapped up in it, too," said Ali, who plays halfback for St Johns Eagles. "It is something I'll keep forever."