Reuben Cotter’s unforgettable week: Origin glory and a new baby boy

Queensland Maroons star Reuben Cotter has capped a perfect week, announcing the arrival of a new baby boy just two days after guiding Queensland to a memorable win in the State of Origin opener.

Queensland State of Origin star Reuben Cotter has had an unforgettable week, marked by both professional triumph and personal joy.

Just two days after Queensland’s commanding 38-10 victory over New South Wales in the first game of the State of Origin series, Cotter and his wife Mackenzie welcomed their second child, Banks Marcel Cotter, into the world.

Reuben Cotter with his newborn son, Banks. Photo: Supplied.

Banks was born via a planned caesarean section at 7.51am at Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital in Townsville on June 7.

The timing was fortuitous, allowing Reuben to rush from Sydney to Townsville to be by Mackenzie’s side for the delivery.

The NRL North Queensland Cowboys player said he was “over the moon” with the arrival of his son, revealing he and his wife had chosen to keep the baby’s gender a surprise.

“Having a boy in the family is very special, we can’t wait to start creating memories as a family of four,” Cotter said.

Mackenzie added “Reuben is so excited that he has a little boy! – I’m sure Banks will have a footy and a fishing rod in his hand as soon as he can hold onto things”.

Reuben Cotter, wife Mackenzie, daughter Sunny, 2, with their newborn Banks. Photo: Supplied.

This is the couple’s second child; their daughter, Sunny, was born two years ago on June 11, just three days after Reuben made his Maroons debut.

“Sunny is obsessed with her baby brother; he gets plenty of kisses and has already,” Mackenzie said.

Banks is particularly special for Mackenzie’s side of the family, being the first baby boy to be born.

His middle name, Marcel, is also a tribute to Mackenzie’s father.

“He’s the first boy to be born in the family after my dad, all my sisters have one daughter each, so it’s only fitting dad got his name in there somewhere,” she said.

Reuben Cotter's daughter Sunny, 2, with their newborn Banks. Photo: Supplied.

Mackenzie said there was “always a chance” Banks could have arrived on Origin night, but the couple were confident he would wait until the Maroons came home with a win.

“There wasn’t really a plan, we were just rolling with what was to happen,” she said.

She said her husband had been by her side since Banks was born and revealed there were plans to expand the family down the track.

“Banks is our second baby, I feel great,” she said.

“The care we have all received at Mater has been great, we have had the best midwives caring for us all – I can’t wait to go home and spend time together.”