The Roosters might be struggling in this year’s NRL competition, but fullback Sam Perrett has been one of the club’s leading lights in an otherwise disappointing season. Perrett has played 11 Tests for New Zealand and was a member of the Kiwis team that shocked Australia in last year’s World Cup Final. Perrett is a strong running fullback/outside back and is fast closing in on 100 games in the NRL. This year, his form has been so strong at fullback, that when former Golden Boot winner Anthony Minichiello returned from injury recently, he was forced to play out of position to accommodate Perrett’s strong form. The quiet achieving fullback said the best time with his children is when he has them to himself and he can sit on the lounge and watch a video surrounded by snacks and drinks.

Where's their favourite place they like you to take them?
I’ve noticed that it’s not where we take them, but when we give them our time and full attention. And better still if we do it at a cool playground! – Sam Perrett

Are you always mindful of setting a good example for them on and off the field?
I try to be the best leader and example to my children in all that I do and as often as I can, both on and off the field. – Sam Perrett

Do they take an active interest in your career?
The kids are still quite young but already they’re learning from their mum. My sons only words at the moment is ‘Roo-sta!’ and my daughter says “Daddy!” whenever she sees any sort of rugby match on TV. – Sam Perrett

How hard is it when he has to be away from home on tour etc?
It’s really hard, his first kiwi’s tour we ended up going back to NZ to be with my family, and when he came back from the tour Riley was 6 months and she didn’t recognize him at all, it took her a while. – Jemma Perrett

How do the kids keep in contact with him when he's away ... phone/internet?
When he’s away he rings every day, Riley’s putting sentences together so she talks quite a bit, and it’s hard to get her off the phone. And Keil just likes to hear his dad’s voice. He’ll yell out daddy every now and again. – Jemma Perrett

What would you like for Fathers Day?
I’m a big fan of the nose and ear trimmers, Philips have just released their new version so I’d love the family to buy me one. – Sam Perrett