Heartbreaking moment NRL legend breaks down in tears on live TV

Gorden Tallis has burst into tears after watching good mate Kevin Walters present his son with his jersey before his NRL debut.

Billy Walters made his debut for the Melbourne Storm on Thursday night, sharing a beautiful moment with father Kevin in the sheds before the game.

In front of the whole Storm team, Kevin handed Billy his jersey in an emotional moment for all involved.

Tallis was watching on in the Fox League studio for his commentary duties, and the beautiful scenes left him in tears.

The NRL legend couldn’t contain his emotion as he attempted to explain Kevin and Billy’s journey.

“Just what Kevvie went through it is fairly hard actually,” Tallis said, before breaking down.

“It just shows that our game is real and that there are dads and that would probably be one of Kevvy’s greatest achievements.

“He was a single dad for a long time. It’s good.”

Fellow panellist Yvonne Sampson explained how Walters had lost his first wife to breast cancer, raising Billy by himself.

“A lot of people just think of Kevin Walters the Queensland coach and they forget that he went through a lot of tragedy,” Sampson said.

“He lost his first wife Kim to breast cancer and we want to send all our love to the Walters family and Billy who begins a new story and a new chapter tonight.”

Brett Finch said it showed how rugby league is more than just a sport.

“It shows it is bigger than a game of footy and how important it is for some people,” Finch said.

“Well done guys and it is a special effort and you see what this guy has done and you (Tallis) have had long ties with this family for a long time and it affects people on all different levels.”

Billy Walters opens up

After helping the Storm beat the Dragons 16-14, Billy also opened up.

"I was pretty young when it all happened but he was very strong, he had three young boys and he had my auntie who stepped in and helped, she was great for us," Billy said.

"He was very resilient and then he met Narelle, who is now his wife, she looked after us growing up.

"I was a punish growing up, I was very stubborn and probably still am.

"I pushed her to her limits and she stuck around and stayed strong. I definitely credit her a lot as well."

with AAP