- NRL WAG opens up about medical history
The wife of footy star Reuben Cotter has opened up on her scary hospital stay as she underwent her eighth heart surgery.
Mackenzie Cotter posted a TikTok video with footage of the 24-hour lead-up to her latest procedure as she detailed the toll her medical history has taken.
‘This will be my eighth heart operation, my second since becoming a mum, but the most complex and high-risk one yet,’ Mackenzie wrote on TikTok.
‘It’s not just me I have to worry about now, it’s my kids too.’
Mackenzie underwent a procedure to have a lead removed from her heart before having a new pacemaker installed.
Reuben stayed by his wife’s side throughout, with the Cowboys and Queensland star seen playing cards and eating McDonald’s with her, and even doing her hair.
Mackenzie Cotter (pictured) has taken supporters behind the scenes before undergoing her eighth heart surgery
The footy WAG (pictured) is now recovering after the operation, with footy fans sending her messages of support
Reuben Cotter (pictured) was with Mackenzie for the 24 hours before the procedure was completed
Supporters have spoken out and praised Mackenzie for her unwavering strength.
‘You’re so incredibly strong! Thank you for sharing your journey. I have open-heart surgery coming up for the conditions I had and it’s reassuring seeing people come out the other side of their journey,’ one person wrote.
‘Hope all went and goes well love from your North QLD cowboys family,’ another claimed.
‘Wishing you a speedy recovery you got this,’ said one more.
The positive messages haven’t been lost on the footy WAG, with Mackenzie now thanking fans for their support.
‘Sorry, I can’t reply back to everyone right now but please know I see your messages and appreciate all the [heart emoji] and support,’ she wrote.
‘If you’re going through something tough right now please know you’re not alone. I’m thinking of you all and sending so much love.’
The Cotters have three children together: eldest daughter Sunny, a one-year-old son named Banks and a baby girl named Pippi, who was born in July last year.
The North Queensland Cowboys star (pictured) missed his team’s round two match so he could support his wife
The couple (pictured with one of their children) married in Townsville in 2023
Cotter, 27, has represented Queensland in 10 State of Origin matches
They tied the knot in a ceremony at the Ville Resort and Casino in Townsville in 2023.
As a result of being there for Mackenzie, Reuben Cotter missed the North Queensland Cowboys’ round two NRL match against the Wests Tigers last Saturday.
He’s set to return this week after being named in the Cowboys team to play the Gold Coast.
The representative forward will be a big inclusion for North Queensland as they try to record their first win of the year.
