Meninga’s priceless wedding day gift to Reuben Cotter and wife Mackenzie

Mrs Cotter could breathe a sigh of relief after her Kangaroos prop husband Reuben made it through Saturday night’s duel with Samoa without injury or major bruising to his face.

Reuben Cotter with wife Mackenzie and daughter Sunny and (inset) Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga. Picture: Instagram / NRL Imagery

Mrs Cotter could breathe a sigh of relief after her Kangaroos prop husband Reuben made it through Saturday night’s duel with the most physical team in rugby league without injury or major bruising to his face.

Cotter’s lack of self-preservation instincts have been the driving force behind the Cowboy’s rise from an NRL reserve hooker to one of the most outstanding undersized props on the planet.

There were understandable nerves throughout Saturday’s Samoan showdown as Cotter set his sights on the ribcages of a fearsome opposition pack less than 24 hours before he was due to walk down the aisle with partner Mackenzie Falco (pictured).

A permanent Samoan souvenir of a black eye in the wedding photo album or crutches down the aisle was on no bride’s wedding day wish list.

“I think he’s pretty relieved to get through it with no injuries or anything, or bruises to his face,” Kangaroos captain James Tedesco said.

Reuben Cotter was held to the lowest minutes on the field of any Kangaroo - surely earning Mal Meninga a thank you card from Mrs Cotter. Picture: NRL Imagery

“He’s got a big day tomorrow and I’m sure he’ll prepare himself to get ready.”

Tedesco absolved himself of any responsibility for tucking the groom into bed early, with the popular prop set to make up for missing his bucks party during Kangaroos camp with a night out at Townsville’s famous Mad Cow nightclub.

Stars from the Cowboys, Kangaroos, Toa Samoa, and Jillaroos partied into the early hours with fans after the location of Cotter’s celebration was leaked live on the match broadcast.

“Congratulations to him, it is a big day – you don’t often get married,” coach Mal Meninga said.

“We’re all behind him and we’ll have a few beers tonight, no doubt.”

With Payne Haas and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui leading the charge, Cotter was kept out of the firing line for all but the final 30 minutes of the match.

Kangaroos player Reuben Cotter during the 38-12 victory for Australia over Samoa at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on October 14, 2023. Picture: NRL Imagery

It was the least time on the pitch of any Australian player, and the future Mrs Cotter can thank Meninga for his early wedding present of protecting her husband.

Cotter vowed to keep up his fitness work during his week off to be ready ahead of the Kangaroos next Pacific Championship test against New Zealand on October 28 in Melbourne.

“I’m going to get away from the footy (this week),” he said.

“We’ve been planning the wedding for just over a year. We have to book well in advance these days.

“I’ll do a bit to maintain, you don’t want to lose all the hard work you’ve done.”

Originally published as Meninga’s priceless wedding day gift to Reuben Cotter and wife Mackenzie