Kangaroos prop Reuben Cotter cancelled his bucks party during the week to play for Australia on Saturday night against Samoa – and exchanged wedding vows the following day.
The Cowboys forward has built a reputation for launching himself head-first into larger opponents, but he promised his long-time partner Mackenzie he wouldn’t be coming home with any bruises on the weekend.
The wedding had been planned for more than a year, but the call up from coach Mal Meninga wasn’t something Cotter could say no to.
With props Payne Haas and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui shouldering most of the hard yards, Cotter was protected until the final 30 minutes of the match and came away unscathed.
After the match Cotter was interviewed and indicated that he was ready to make up for missing his bucks by visiting Townsville’s famous Mad Cow nightclub.
Cotter tied the know with his his long-time partner Mackenzie on Sunday
‘I missed mine (bucks party) because I was in camp last weekend,’ grinned Cotter.
‘So, might have to visit the Mad Cow tonight.’
Kangaroos captain James Tedesco said the popular prop had every reason to smile.
‘I think he’s pretty relieved to get through it with no injuries or anything, or bruises to his face,’ Kangaroos captain James Tedesco said.
‘He’s got a big day tomorrow and I’m sure he’ll prepare himself to get ready.’
Mal Meninga indicated that the team would be helping Cotter celebrate after the match.
‘Congratulations to him, it is a big day – you don’t often get married,’ he said
‘We’re all behind him and we’ll have a few beers tonight, no doubt.’
Cotter indicated that he was likely to celebrate the occasion at a well-known Townsville club
Cotter promised his partner that he would come not pick up and bruises from the match
The Kangaroos next match is against New Zealand on October 28 in Melbourne and Cotter says he will maintain his fitness.
‘I’m going to get away from the footy (this week),’ he told NRL.com.
‘We’ve been planning the wedding for just over a year. We have to book well in advance these days.
‘I’ll do a bit to maintain, you don’t want to lose all the hard work you’ve done.’