Cowboys star Cotter savouring life with little Sunny one year in

Reuben Cotter has etched his name into a short-list of the game’s most imposing forwards with his gutsy defensive style, but off the field, he’s learning a lot about the gentler side of life.

Cowboys player Reuben Cotter is looking forward to spending Father’s Day with his daughter Sunny, 1. Picture: Shae Beplate.

On the field, Reuben Cotter has etched his name into a short-list of the game’s most imposing forwards with his guts and glory defensive style, but off the field, he’s learning a lot about the gentler side of life as he savours time with his young family.

Reuben and his partner Mackenzie welcomed baby Sunny into their lives in the middle of a whirlwind few weeks that saw Cotter earn his first Origin call-up last year, but the young father is now learning to take things slow as he marks his second Father’s Day as a family man.

“It’s been so enjoyable to watch her just grow up, you know, especially these last few months, she’s learned to walk and she’s saying a lot more now,” Reuben said.

“You really do get to share in some really special moments at this age in her life and we’re loving every bit of it.”

The youngster, who’s just crested 15 months, is even picking up a few of her father’s hard-running habits.

Cowboys player Reuben Cotter is looking forward to spending Father’s Day with his daughter Sunny, 1. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“She’s getting real fast, we’ve got to keep our eyes on her at all times.”

The Cowboys star says he and Mackenzie are still just ‘soaking it all in’ as they share the first year of Sunny’s life with family and friends, but it’s the bond shared between the three of them that’s proving to be Reuben’s biggest motivation.

“There’s so many great moments and memories and I think the thing I most look forward to is you know, coming home everyday and seeing that smile and seeing her grow.

She’s growing so quickly and it’s amazing how much of what we’re doing is rubbing off on her. That’s pretty special.”

The barnstorming forward was also full of praise for his ‘rock’ Mackenzie, who’s been doing the hard yards at home while Reuben has travelled across the country for games.

The tradition at home as the Sarina product grew up was to share in a seafood lunch with the family, and it’s one he’s hoping to carry forward.

“We used to a seafood lunch for dad, so hopefully that’s something I’ll get to come home to.”

Originally published as Cowboys star Cotter savouring life with little Sunny one year in