Get to know Reuben

His love for rugby league started with the Sarina Crocodiles in the Under 8s, where his passion for the game took root. “My brother and I would play backyard footy during the week, and if his team needed an extra player on the weekend, I’d jump in after my own junior games. Some weekends, I’d be on the field for three matches because I loved it so much,” Reuben recalls. He credits his first coach, Paul Wright, and school football teachers, Andrew Dell and Toby Poole, for shaping his early career, but it’s his father who remains his most significant role model. “He taught me to work hard,” Reuben says, a lesson that has stayed with him throughout his career.

Now a father of two, Reuben reflects on the joys and challenges of parenthood. “Being a dad to two children is definitely challenging at times, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he shares. Reuben is deeply grateful for the joy and fulfilment his family brings to his life. His daughter, Sunny, often joins him on game days, a tradition that holds a special place in his heart. “Seeing her smile after the game and sharing those moments with her on the field is incredibly special,” Reuben says. The bond they share is further strengthened by the fact that Sunny has been with him throughout his career milestones, including State of Origin and representing Australia.

Reuben finds that many of the lessons he’s learned from rugby league apply to parenting as well. “While nothing can completely prepare you for fatherhood, the discipline and routine from the sport definitely help,” he explains. The ability to adapt on the run, a crucial skill in rugby, is equally important in parenting. “Sometimes you do the right thing, sometimes you need to change, but being able to stand back and analyse your performance is what makes the difference,” Reuben says.

One of his favourite memories with Sunny is their two-week European tour after the World Cup. “While she might not remember much of it, those memories are incredibly special to me,” Reuben recalls. On the funnier side, he loves to sneak up and scare her, enjoying her priceless reactions. Bedtime is another cherished time for Reuben, as it allows him to bond with his children. “We all get dressed, hang out on mum and dad’s bed, read a story, and then Sunny goes off to bed. It’s a really special part of my day,” he shares.

Reuben is excited about the future with his family and looks forward to every moment they will share together. Whether it’s family vacations, school drop-offs, or sporting carnivals, he’s ready for it all. “The thought of our future fills me with excitement because it means I’ll be able to spend every moment with my family,” Reuben says. Looking ahead, he dreams of taking his family on a ski holiday to Japan and is eager to see what life has in store for them after rugby league.

Reuben’s partner, Mackenzie, describes him as an amazing father. “Our kids are the centre of his world,” she shares. Known for being hands-on and making every moment at home count, it’s his determination and patience that she admires most in him as a dad.

QAre there any lessons from Rugby League that you apply to parenting?

AAbsolutely, there are many lessons from rugby league that I apply to parenting. While nothing can completely prepare you for fatherhood, the discipline and routine from the sport definitely helps us in our every day life. It also ensures that I’m at my best when I step onto the field. An important part of Rugby League is adapting on the run, which also transfers to parenting. Sometimes you do the right thing, sometimes you need to change, but being able to stand back and analysis your performance, accept your decisions and make those changes is what makes the difference. 

QWhat's your favourite part of the day with the kids?

AMy favourite part of the day with the kids is bedtime. All jokes aside Mackenzie has created a great bedtime routine with Sunny (and now Banks), as a family we get to hang out and wind down for the day. We have just started letting Sunny have a shower with Banks and Sunny runs a show in there, and then we all get dressed, hang out on mum and dads bed and read a story, Sunny has her bottle and then off to bed she goes. It is a really special part of my day. 

QSport is such an amazing platform for kids to keep activity and healthy, does Sunny have an interest in sport and as a dad are you looking forward in being involved in the kid’s community sports? 

ASunny loves watching footy, and as a dad, I’m excited about getting involved in her community sports activities. I can’t wait for her to start playing a sport she loves and supporting her 100% in whatever she chooses to do. 
 
Most afternoons, we take our spoodle Pax to a sports oval for a run around, and Sunny enjoys imitating what I do—stretching, sprinting, and showing how puffed she is, just like dad does at footy. Spending this time outdoors with her and the family is important to me, as it highlights how much we value being outdoors and I hope by doing this, it has an impact on her when it comes to wanting to play sports later in her life.

QYou have an amazing partner in Mackenzie, tell us about her?

AMackenzie is an incredible partner and a loving mother to our kids. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the hard work she puts in behind the scenes. I thought she did it all when Sunny was born but then we had Banks through the Origin period this year and having a 2 year old plus a newborn on your own for weeks on end really shows what type of mother Mackenzie is. Our family and kids mean the absolute world to her. 

QFinally, it’s still a long way off, but how to you see your future post Rugby League with the family?

AWhile there's still some time before it happens, I’m really looking forward to life after Rugby League with my family. Though the game has taken me away from some of those small, precious moments, I am so thankful for everything it has provided us. The thought of our future fills me with excitement because it means I’ll be able to spend every moment with my family, making new memories away from football.

Now lets hear from Mackenzie...

QWhat are Reuben's best qualities as a father?

AGosh, this is a hard one because there are so many! Reuben has so many great qualities as a father. Our kids are truly the centre of his world, and I’m reminded of that every day. He’s incredibly hands-on and always eager to help in any way he can. Even though his time with us is often limited due to footy, he makes every moment at home count. Reuben is the best role model for our children, consistently showing them how to be their best selves through his actions. His determination is a trait that will undoubtedly influence them positively in their own lives. The patience he has for Sunny and Banks is truly special.