Premiership-winning Roosters captain Corban Baxter knows some secrets don’t last very long in rugby league, let alone when it comes to pregnancy in women's sport.
So when the 28-year-old returned a positive test in May, the next few weeks would involve her deflecting some questions while also telling coaches and teammates she was expecting her second child in January.
Baxter announced her pregnancy on Monday night after she helped the Sky Blues from the sidelines as a walkie-talkie assistant during their 20-14 win over Queensland.
The Maori All Stars representative already has son Carter, aged 12, and was relieved to be able to let everyone know publicly of her pregnancy after a few months of being in the early stages.
“I’m feeling really good, it’s been bit of a rollercoaster the last couple of weeks but I’m really excited,” Baxter told NRL.com.
“It was very unexpected, I was at home and had a bit of a nauseous feeling, I’d been a little bit off and know my body. I took a test and to my delight there was a big plus staring back at me.
“I was on my own in shock for a minute and then waited for Matt to come home from work and surprise him. It was a crazy day and week finding out.
“The plan was to finish the year and try for a baby next year as I had big goals to play in the World Cup but in the end God had other plans and we’re over the moon.”
Baxter, who played a pivotal role for the Roosters in their title-winning season earlier this year, is eager to remain part of the coaching staff for the upcoming NRLW competition.
She said pregnancy shouldn’t ever be frowned upon by players or fans even if it impacts their playing career in the future.
“It’s actually a really hard thing as everyone loves family and wants to one day have one,” Baxter said.
“There’s a few girls at a similar age that are also thinking about having a baby and it’s so hard to plan it out around the right time.
“That can be overwhelming in itself so when it does happen it’s super exciting but planning around your career and with training, there’s not really a right time.
“It’s something you’ve got to think about as a female athlete and something I think needs more discussion and support.”
Baxter is likely to turn to NSW teammate Sam Bremner as an example of those who have come back from having children in recent seasons.
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Bremner is expected to land at an NRLW club later this year and has even been linked to the Roosters as a direct replacement for Baxter after having her second child last season.
“She’s come back as fit as ever, she’s on another planet that girl,” Baxter said.
“My goal is to come back next year, I don’t want to put pressure on myself but I still feel like I’ve got a bit left to do so we'll see how it goes.
“I just feel grateful to still be allowed around camps and be on the coaching side of it as well. It will be different finish to the year but a great opportunity."