Maroons star Reuben Cotter’s ‘unforgettable week’ with arrival of a sweet baby boy

Parents Recommend – 12 Jun 24 By Rebel Wylie

“We can’t wait to start creating memories as a family of four!”

Queensland State of Origin star, Reuben Cotter and his wife Mackenzie have welcomed their second child, a sweet baby boy named Banks during a week they both will never forget.

Just two days after Queensland thrashed New South Wales 38-10 in game one of the State of Origin series, the Cotter family welcomed baby Banks at Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital Townsville.

One of three babies born at the hospital on June 7, Mackenzie gave birth to the couple’s son, Banks Marcel via a planned caesarean section at 7.51am.

The NRL North Queensland Cowboys player said he was “over the moon” with the arrival of his son, revealing he and his wife were unaware of their baby’s gender until he was born.

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

Little Banks is the first baby boy to be born on his mum’s side of the family, and his middle name is in honour of Mackenzie’s dad, Marcel.

“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 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.”

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Queensland State of Origin star Reuben Cotter and wife Mackenzie with new baby son in the hospital after birth — “Having a boy in the family is very special!” (Image: Supplied)

The excited new mum said there was “always a chance” Banks could have arrived on State of 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.

Could there be another baby for the family?

Mackenzie revealed that her husband had been by her side since Banks was born and shared that there were already 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.”

The Townsville couple welcomed their eldest daughter Sunny two years ago on 11 June – three days after the talented lock made his Maroons debut.

Mackenzie said: “Sunny is obsessed with her baby brother; he gets plenty of kisses and has already been covered in stickers – she’s smitten”.

Mackenzie, Sunny and Banks Cotter in hospital after Banks' birth — Big sister Sunny is “smitten”! (Image: Supplied)

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