Penrith Panthers star, Michael Gordon, and his partner, Terriceta Rose, welcomed their son Cruz a few weeks ago. Michael was there for the birth, but had to leave for an away game against the New Zealand Warriors, and then the City vs Country Origin Match on May 6.

Michael has recently had a serious knee injury which means that he cannot play rugby league for the rest of the season, and missed out on the chance to be considered for State of Origin. He underwent a knee reconstruction on May 23.

One positive thing for Michael about his injury is that it has given him a chance to bond with Cruz.

”It’s a blessing in disguise – I get a lot more time with him,” Michael said. ”I’ve got someone to sit on the couch with me all day.

”He’s been a really good baby – born a touch under eight pounds [3.6 kilograms]. He eats and sleeps really good – he hasn’t been keeping us up much.”

Michael plans to be playing for Penrith again in the 2012 season.