Get to know Jared

His journey began in New Zealand, where he started playing rugby at the age of five.  Jared’s love for the sport was evident early on, and he eagerly participated in any type of sport, always ready to give it his all. Growing up, he idolised the All Blacks, which fuelled his passion for sport.

Jared achieved an incredible milestone this year, playing his 300th NRL game, a testament to his dedication and resilience. Sharing this achievement with his family made it even more special. “They’ve been there with me through the good times and the hard times, so it only felt right that they were with me to mark this occasion,” Jared reflects.

As a father of three—Zahli (9), Harper (6), and Hudson (2)—Jared finds immense joy in his role as a dad, despite the challenges. “Being a father to three is a challenge, but I absolutely love it,” he says. Each of his children has a unique personality, making home life busy but always fun. Jared cherishes the time they spend together, particularly when his kids join him at training and games. “My girls are old enough to help out at training, and my son loves seeing Rocky the Rooster on game day.”

Jared applies lessons from rugby to his parenting, especially the importance of enjoying every moment because time passes quickly. He’s also a big kid at heart, always pranking his children, building cubby houses, and having basketball shootouts with them. Jared loves spending afternoons with his kids, kicking a footy around the oval while his girls ride roller skates. These moments are the highlight of his day.

As his daughters become more involved in netball, Jared enjoys being a supportive sideline dad, appreciating the value of team sports for his children. “It’s important for them to be part of a team sport,” he says.

Jared’s partner, Chelsea, is the heart of their family. “She is an amazing mother, patient, and always taking care of us,” Jared says, expressing his gratitude for her unwavering support. Chelsea admires Jared’s qualities as a father, noting how present and attentive he is with their kids. “He’s definitely the fun parent,” she says, adding that Jared enjoys cleaning, which she considers a bonus.

Looking ahead, Jared is excited to spend more time with his family post-footy, planning trips to places like Greece and Lapland. He eagerly anticipates the flexibility that will allow him to be even more present in his children’s lives.

QNow tell us what's it like being a dad to 3 children? How much do you enjoy it?

ABeing a father to 3 is a challenge, but i absolutely love it. All 3 have such different and great personalities, home life is very busy but we try to keep it as fun as possible.

Q Do you have any memorable or funny moments with the kids?

AHeaps of funny memories with the kids. I'm a big kid myself so we're always pranking each other around the house, building cubby houses, having basketball shoot outs

QAre there any lessons from rugby that you apply to parenting?

AEnjoy it, because it goes by quickly.

QWhat are you most excited about when they all grow up?

AMost excited to be able to travel with the kids, and show them as many experiences as possible.

Now lets hear from the kids

QTell us something special about your dad and why he’s the best?

AHe is the best because he gives us really big cuddles - Zahli

He is the best because he lets us stay up late to play UNO - Harper