Mackenzie Cotter, wife of North Queensland Cowboys star Reuben Cotter, has shared an emotional update from hospital as she underwent her eighth heart operation. In a TikTok video, she documented the 24 hours leading up to the procedure, describing it as her most complex and high-risk surgery yet.
“This will be my eighth heart operation, my second since becoming a mum, but the most complex and high-risk one yet,” she wrote. “It's not just me I have to worry about now, it's my kids too.” The procedure involved removing a lead from her heart and installing a new pacemaker.
Reuben Cotter remained by his wife’s side throughout, playing cards, eating McDonald’s, and even doing her hair. The couple have three children: daughter Sunny, son Banks, and baby Pippi, born last July. They married in Townsville in 2023.
Supporters flooded Mackenzie with messages of encouragement, praising her strength. One wrote: “You're so incredibly strong! Thank you for sharing your journey.” Another said: “Hope all went well love from your North QLD Cowboys family.” Mackenzie thanked fans, saying: “If you're going through something tough right now please know you're not alone.”
Reuben missed the Cowboys’ round two match against the Wests Tigers to support his wife, but has been named to play against the Gold Coast this week.
