Reuben Cotter wins 2024 Philips celebrity sports dad of the year

Growing up in a small country town taught the Cowboys co-captain important values that he is now able to impart on his own children. Read how Cotter is a devoted father on and off the field.

Reuben Cotter with wife Mackenzie and daughter Sunny. Picture: Instagram @reuben_cotter

Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter is widely known for his talent and toughness on the field and his undeniable devotion towards his wife and kids off the field, which is why he’s been named the 2024 Philips Celebrity Sports Dad of the Year.

The Queensland representative said his life changed after he and his wife, Mackenzie, welcomed their daughter Sunny into the world two and a half years ago.

“That’s my purpose. Now I’ve got a young family to support and every moment that I get to pull on, not just a Queensland jersey but a Cowboys jersey, I don’t ever take it for granted.

“I know I’m playing for, not just myself, but my family and the community and that makes me extremely, very proud.”

The Cotters celebrated the birth of their baby boy, Banks, in June this year.

Reuben Cotter with daughter Sunny and son Banks

The Australia prop says he cherishes the little moments with his children including bedtime routines and celebrating with them after games.

“Seeing her smile after the game and sharing those moments with her on the field is incredibly special,” Cotter said of daughter Sunny.

Reuben Cotter with daughter Sunny after a Cowboys game

The annual sports dad of the year award recognises the efforts of an athlete during the year and their dedication as fathers.

The winner receives the opportunity to choose a charity to receive $5000 and in a heartfelt gesture Cotter has personally matched this amount towards his charity Brighter Lives Foundation, allowing them to receive a total of $10,000.

“I’m very proud to be an ambassador for the Brighter Lives Foundation and every time I am there I leave feeling very grateful,” Cotter said.

“To put a smile on those children’s faces means a lot to me and I know this money will be used to help support the children and their families through tough times.”

North Queensland Cowboys player Reuben Cotter, wife Mackenzie and baby Sunny.

Growing up in a small Queensland country town, Cotter credits his hardworking parents for instilling him with the lessons that have carried him through life.

At last week’s Courier Mail-Townsville Bulletin Bush Summit, Cotter gave insight into his childhood as a young boy and the impact that regional life had on him.

“Dad had two jobs during the day he’d work out on a farm and come home for dinner and then he’d go out commercial fishing at night time,” Cotter said

“He was a very hardworking man and I guess that is where I sort of get my traits and values from.”

Reuben Cotter with daughter Sunny. Picture: @reuben_cotter

“Dad had a boat, we’d go out fishing all the time and that’s probably where my passion for being outdoors grew so there’s so much opportunity for young kids in regional Queensland.”

“We were pretty good kids for the most part but if we ever mucked up, he would make us go outside and hold hands for half an hour and I don’t know if you ever hold hands with your siblings but it’s not much fun.”

After securing a Thursday night win against the Storm, Cotter has some days off to spend some quality time with his family for Father’s Day weekend before the semi-finals begin.

“I’ll be relaxing by the pool, eating some nice food and just switching off with Kenz and the kids. Can’t beat that,” he said.

Originally published as Reuben Cotter wins 2024 Philips celebrity sports dad of the year