State of Origin star who is making a habit of clashing family moments with representative footy welcomes second child

You could set your watch to Cowboys NRL star Reuben Cotter timing his major family milestones with rep footy.

His first child was born days after he made his State of Origin debut for Queensland in 2022 and he had to miss his own bucks party to play for Australia in 2023 before getting married the day after representing his country.  

Now, Cotter and his wife Mackenzie have welcomed their second child, Banks Marcel Cotter, just days after the powerhouse forward played for Queensland in their booming State of Origin win to open the 2024 series.

The couple officially announced the arrival of Banks on Instagram on Saturday. 

Banks’ arrival comes after the couple’s first child Sunny came just days after Cotter made his debut for Queensland

Cotter was part of the Queensland side that enjoyed a big win over New South Wales in the 2024 Origin series opener

The Instagram post received warm congratulations from both current and former Cowboys players, including Tom Dearden, Valentine Holmes, Chad Townsend, Semi Valemei, Kyle Feldt, Jeremiah Nanai, and Scott Drinkwater. 

Other NRL players such as Braden Hamlin-Uele, Ezra Mam, and Angus Crichton also celebrated the news.

Natalia Holmes, wife of Cowboys star Valentine, commented, ‘Banks, beautiful boy! Congratulations fam! So happy for you all.’ 

Chad Townsend’s wife Marissa added, ‘Welcome to the world beautiful Banks! Congratulations family.’

The timing of Banks’ birth is reminiscent of the Cotter family’s first major milestone: their daughter Sunny was born on June 11, 2022, just three days after Reuben made his State of Origin debut. 

Cotter is making a habit over timing his major family milestones to clash with his representative footy career

Cotter and Mackenzie were married in Townsville in 2023, days after Cotter played for Australia against Samoa

Reuben, Mackenzie and Sunny celebrate winning the State of Origin shield in Sydney

This week has been a whirlwind for Reuben, balancing the opening match of the 2024 State of Origin series with the excitement of expanding his family.

Reuben was initially worried that the baby would arrive the same night Queensland defeated New South Wales in the series. 

He had previously canceled his bucks party to play for Australia against Samoa, exchanging wedding vows with Mackenzie the following day. 

Reuben promised Mackenzie he wouldn’t come home with bruises after the weekend game and lived up to his word.

The couple officially tied the knot in October at the Ville Resort and Casino in Townsville with their daughter Sunny walking down the aisle with the wedding rings. 

Friends, family, and footy stars, including Valentine Holmes, attended the glamorous event, where Reuben was seen celebrating in style with his new bride.

Reuben has also been named in the Cowboys’ lineup to play against the Warriors at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on Saturday.