Big Tonie Carroll recently made a comeback to his beloved Brisbane Broncos in the NRL competition after answering an urgent SOS from the struggling club. Up until then, Carroll was quite content in retirement selling real estate in Brisbane. Carroll has the distinction of playing both Test football for New Zealand and Australia, as well as being a permanent fixture in Queensland State of Origin teams for the best part of the past decade. A hard running, tough tackling back-rower, Carroll played in Broncos premiership winning teams of 1998, 2000 and 2006, as well as having a stint with English Super League powerhouses Leeds Rhinos in 2001 and 2002. He has played seven Tests for Australia, three for New Zealand during the 2000 World Cup and 18 Origins for the Maroons. He dedicates his success to his kids Josh and Bailey and their supportive mum (his wife) Katrina.

How hard is it spending so much time away from the kids during the season?
It’s really hard leaving Bailey and Josh for any length of time. Anytime you get on a flight you can see how sad they get. I’m so lucky to have a wonderful wife (Katrina), she makes things so easy. She’s so supportive, you really need that – Tonie Carroll

What is your favourite activity with the kids?
We go down to Redcliffe and take the ‘Rip Stick’ with us; it’s like a skateboard (like a snake). It’s a great activity for me and the kids! It maybe bad for the knees though – Tonie Carroll

Have you ever been asked to attend their school for "news"?
Yes I have. I’m actually going on a school excursion soon at The Farm to help out with the animals. – Tonie Carroll

Besides their birth, obviously, what is your most memorable moment with your kids?
When I went to play for Leeds in the UK we had some great family trips. Our trip to Egypt was an eye opener! – Tonie Carroll

What makes him such a great father?
Tonie’s such a great Dad because he can easily be on the boys level in having fun and being silly but also be strong and firm when needed. They share similar interests and Tonie will always be hands on in anything that they do. He makes great efforts to attend Josh's football training and games and he doesn’t hesitate to get on a ‘rip stick’ to show them how to use it. – Katrina Carroll

How hard is it when he has to be away from home on tour etc?
It does get very hard when he goes away. We are all quite use to it now but it is hard to organise events for us all to attend and he sometimes misses out on special days with the boys. I personally find it hard as he is my best friend. – Katrina Carroll

What present would you like for Fathers Day?
A holiday….no, I’m a bit lazy when doing my hair and I’ve just tested the new Philips 180 hair clipper, so hope the boys buy me that! – Tonie Carroll