- The first child arrived days after Origin’s debut
- He missed his own Bucks party to play for Australia
- The family has grown again at the same time as football
You could set your watch to have Cowboys NRL star Reuben Cotter time major family milestones with representative football.
His first child was born days after his State of Origin debut for Queensland in 2022 and he had to miss his own Bucks 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 powerful forward played for Queensland in their flourishing 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 the Queensland team that enjoyed a big win over New South Wales in the first match of the 2024 Origin series.
The Instagram post received warm congratulations from 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, commented: ‘Banks, beautiful boy! Congratulations family! I’m very happy for all of you.’
Chad Townsend’s wife Marissa added: ‘Welcome to the world beautiful Banks! Congratulations family.’
The timing of Banks’ birth recalls the Cotter family’s first major milestone: daughter Sunny was born on June 11, 2022, just three days after Reuben made his State of Origin debut.
Cotter is getting used to timing his major family milestones to coincide with his signature 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 was initially worried the baby would arrive on the same night Queensland defeated New South Wales in the series.
He had previously canceled his Bucks party to play for Australia against Samoa, exchanging wedding vows with Mackenzie the next day.
Reuben promised Mackenzie he wouldn’t come home with bruises after the weekend game and he kept 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 the wedding rings.
Friends, family and football stars including Valentine Holmes attended the glamorous event, where Reuben was seen celebrating in style with his new girlfriend.
Reuben has also been named in the Cowboys’ lineup to play the Warriors at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on Saturday.