Origin: Reuben Cotter’s junior coaches reflect on the career of the Wally Lewis Medallist

Wally Lewis medallist Reuben Cotter has etched his name into Origin folklore. Discover the traits first displayed on country fields in Queensland that put him on the path to stardom and hear from the junior coaches who helped get him there.

In four Origin appearances, Cotter’s been awarded best on ground twice. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Dale Shearer, Martin Bella, Kevin Campion, Wendell Sailor, Daly Cherry-Evans, and now, Reuben Cotter.

Cotter joined a remarkably extensive list of Sarina Crocs to represent Queensland when he made his State of Origin debut last year.

And still well in his Origin infancy, having played just four games, Cotter has already etched his name into Queensland folklore after being adjudged player of the series on Wednesday night to be awarded the Wally Lewis medal.

Cotter’s Sarina under-16 coach, Mick Ford, couldn’t be prouder.

“He’s part of the legacy of Sarina producing Origin stars… we just seem to produce them, we’re so proud, the whole town is behind him,” Ford said.

“It’s unbelievable to be honest.”

But it comes as no surprise to Ford that Cotter’s achieving the success he is today.

“He was driven from an early age from what I saw, I think he was really destined to play NRL to be honest,” Cotter said.

“As a young kid you could see it in him, he had a great attitude.

“He definitely had natural ability but he also worked really hard at being better, and I think that shows now.”

Steve Sheppard coached Cotter at the Mackay Cutters during the 2019 Queensland Cup and has known him since he was 13.

Cotter in action for the Cutters.

“I sort of knew at 13, 14, that he was going to be an NRL player,” Sheppard said.

“You could just tell he had this want, desire, he was always very willing.

“He wasn’t the biggest bloke but he was very willing to put his head and shoulders in places where people aren’t supposed to put them.”

At Sarina, Cotter stepped into Ford’s under-16 side underage and excelled.

“He was phenomenal, he dominated,” Ford said.

“He wasn’t afraid to go forward, he took the hard runs, he made the hard tackles, he’s earned every success he’s got that boy.

Sheppard backed the sentiment.

“He wasn’t always the biggest player on the field but he had the biggest heart,” he said.

“He’s got the biggest heart and just tries his little butt off every time he goes out there.

“I can’t really remember Reuben playing a bad game to be honest. There’s been games where he has played out of position or dropped a few balls but he certainly made up for it in effort and want.

“The way he prepares, he’s the ultimate professional, he leaves no stone unturned. He rips into training just like he does his games.”

Toughness has always underpinned Cotter’s game. Picture: Adam Head

While Cotter impressed Sheppard on the field, he also impressed him off it.

“‘Reubs’ is an all-round good bloke. He’s one of the nicest blokes you’ve ever met,” he said.

“His family have brought up a real ripper kid. It’s a credit to them he’s a great human being.”

Ford too spoke highly of Cotter and his family.

“He’s a great kid, great family, he’s had good people around him the whole time,” he said.

“The feedback you get from Facebook and that, talking to different people around town, everyone wants the best for him and wants him to succeed even more.

“Sarina appreciates him and wishes him well, wishes him all the best for the future.”

And Cotter doesn’t take Sarina’s support lightly, supporting his hometown wherever he can.

“He gives back to the Sarina community, sponsoring jerseys and gear for fundraising events around town, he’s very giving with that stuff,” Ford said.

Following the Cowboys thumping 74-0 round 18 win over Wests Tigers, Cotter could be seen signing and giving away gear to Sarina’s under-11’s who were in town for the Laurie Spina carnival.

And maybe, just maybe, Cotter’s kindness inspired Sarina’s next Origin star.

“He was one of those kids, and all these kids look up to him now,” Ford said.

“They just wanna be like Reuben Cotter.”