Queensland Maroons favourites Cameron Smith and Matt Scott both play pivotal roles in helping their teams to success on the field, but they are also being recognised for another – more important – role off the field; being good dads.
Both players are among a top 10 elite Australian athletes vying for the Philips Sports Dad of the Year award to be announced on Father's Day on Sunday, September 1.
The award showcases the contribution Australia's sporting elite make to their families both on and off the field, with Johnathan Thurston donating his winnings to the Mark Hughes Foundation when he claimed the prize.
Smith told the Melbourne Storm website that if he was to be crowned this year's winner, he would donate his $5000 prize to Ovarian Cancer Australia and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Smith said he spends as much quality time with his kids Jada (11), Jasper (9) and Matilda (7) as he can.
"On game day I’ll always try to spend the morning with the kids before having a rest in the afternoon," Smith said.
"We do normal things – school drops-offs, go for a walk and have breakfast together. The kids also love bike riding, so when we get the chance we get the bikes out and go for a big ride around Melbourne."
Smith’s wife Barbara said he was a hands-on dad and made sure he was present at all the kids sporting and school events.
Family is a huge priority for Cowboys forward Scott.
The hugely popular and respected prop has shared how much he loves being a dad.
“I love being a dad. It’s fun and rewarding and I am loving watching them grow,” Scott said.
“I do as much as I can, when I can. I miss so much when I am away or out early or late for training so when I am home I do as much as possible. There are no set routines as such but I do tend to cook more and like reading them books before bed.”
Both Smith and Scott profiled on sportsdads.com.au, which includes questions and answers from the players about their families, as well as comments from the athletes' families.
All voters have the opportunity to win special prizes for their own father this Father's Day, with the winning Sports Dad of the Year receiving $5000 to donate to their charity of choice.
This year’s other finalists include James Maloney from the Panthers and the Knights’ David Klemmer, Tigers and Kiwi legend Benji Marshall, Souths’ stalwart and favourite John Sutton.
The NRL stars will be joined by AFL champions Jack Darling, a West Coast premiership winner and Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury. Boomers and Utah Jazz star Joe Ingles and Test cricketer Matthew Wade round out a strong field.
Vote now at sportsdads.com.au
Voting closes on Tuesday, August 27, and the Philips Sports Dad of the Year winner will be announced on Father's Day.
