State of Origin star who is making a habit of clashing family moments with representative footy welcomes second child
- The first child arrived days after the Origin debut
- Missed his own money party to play for Australia
- The family has grown again at the same time as representative footy
You could set your watch on Cowboys NRL star Reuben Cotter, who is measuring his major family milestones with rep footy.
His first child was born days after he made his State of Origin debut for Queensland in 2022 and he had to miss his own money party to play for Australia in 2023 before getting married the day after representing his country.
Now Cotter and his wife Mackenzie have welcomed their second child, Banks Marcel Cotter, just days after the powerhouse played for Queensland in their booming State of Origin victory to open the 2024 series.
The couple officially announced Banks’ arrival on Instagram on Saturday.
Queensland Origin star Reuben Cotter and his wife Mackenzie welcomed their second child, Banks Marcel Cotter, just days after Origin I in Sydney
Banks’ arrival comes after the couple’s first child, Sunny, arrived just days after Cotter made his debut for Queensland
Cotter was part of Queensland’s big win over New South Wales in the opening series of the 2024 Origin series
The Instagram post received heartfelt congratulations from both current and former Cowboys players, including Tom Dearden, Valentine Holmes, Chad Townsend, Semi Valemei, Kyle Feldt, Jeremiah Nanai and Scott Drinkwater.
Other NRL players such as Braden Hamlin-Uele, Ezra Mam and Angus Crichton also celebrated the news.
Natalia Holmes, wife of Cowboys star Valentine, said: “Banks, beautiful boy! Congratulations family! So happy for you all.”
Chad Townsend’s wife Marissa added, “Welcome to the world beautiful Banks! Congratulations family.”
The timing of Banks’ birth is reminiscent of the Cotter family’s first major milestone: their daughter Sunny was born on June 11, 2022, just three days after Reuben made his State of Origin debut.
Cotter makes a habit of timing his major family milestones to clash with his representative football career
Cotter and Mackenzie married in Townsville in 2023, days after Cotter played for Australia against Samoa
Reuben, Mackenzie and Sunny celebrate winning the State of Origin shield in Sydney
This week has been a whirlwind for Reuben, balancing the opening match of the 2024 State of Origin series with the excitement of expanding his family.
Reuben initially feared the baby would arrive the same night Queensland defeated New South Wales in the series.
He had previously canceled his money party to play for Australia against Samoa and exchange wedding vows with Mackenzie the next day.
Reuben promised Mackenzie that he wouldn’t come home with bruises after the weekend’s game and made good on his word.
The couple officially tied the knot in October at the Ville Resort and Casino in Townsville, with their daughter Sunny walking down the aisle with her wedding rings.
Friends, family and football stars including Valentine Holmes attended the glamorous event, where Reuben partied in style with his new bride.
Reuben has also been included in the Cowboys’ line-up to play the Warriors at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on Saturday.
