Baby joy a memorable moment for Queensland Maroons star

Queensland Maroons star Reuben Cotter and his partner Mackenzie Falco have welcomed the arrival of their little ray of sunshine, Sunny.

First-time dad, Mr Cotter cried “tears of joy” following the birth of his baby girl at Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville, just three days after making his Maroons debut.

Ms Falco, Mr Cotter’s fiance, said the pair was running on adrenaline since their daughter’s arrival on 11 June.

“It’s so very exciting, we are so in love” Ms Falco, 25, said.

“We had no idea we were having a girl. Reuben always wanted a girl and he’s very smitten. There were definitely tears of joy.”

Speculation surrounded Sunny’s arrival last week, with a heavily pregnant Ms Falco wondering if their baby would be born before Mr Cotter played his first game of State of Origin on Wednesday night.

“Reuben was so nervous,” she said.

“He was at the birth and then so glad he made it for State of Origin - both memorable occasions.”

The Townsville couple “fell in love” with the name Sunny, with Ms Falco saying she also loved the colour yellow.

Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville Business and Midwifery Unit Manager Rebekah Barrie said it had been an incredibly special time for Sunny and her parents.

“Dad’s footy dream came true, and he was back in time to welcome his daughter into the world,” she said.

“That’s a win all round.”