John Asiata has a newborn baby just three weeks old, but he isn't changing nappies. It's not that he wants to dodge the task every new parent dreads - it's just that his busted and broken hand has made it impossible.
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"I can't actually change them," the Cowboys prop laughs, hoping to nurse his injury through one more week to the grand final. "The baby is only three weeks old and I don't change nappies at home, I pretty much just chill. I try to do the dishes when I can, but I struggle."
It might be the perfect excuse to duck out of his household responsibilities, but Asiata's injury means he's doing not much apart from playing clutch finals games for North Queensland at the moment.
Jersey? He can't take it off without help. Strapping? No idea how to unwind it. Boots? Cowboys chief executive Greg Tonner did the honours last weekend.
"Whatever I can [do] I've been trying to help out [at home], but my wife [Shailah] is doing so well," Asiata said.
"When I [broke his hand] against the Sharks I was pretty angry. I knew it was going to hurt and I didn't know what was going to happen throughout the week.
"Talking to the physios and doctors they said you can play on with it broken and if you want to play you can play. From then on I said, 'If I can do my job and role for the team I'll keep playing'.
"After a game it's really sore and I struggle to do stuff. I can't really grip [anything]. It is what it is."
Asiata's hand hasn't quite taken on the proportions of Mal Meninga's famous old forearm guard, but the protection is almost as pronounced to allow the 24-year-old the chance to chase a second title in three years.
He's just one of a number of wounded Cowboys who don't dare succumb to their niggles when a grand final showdown with minor premiers Melbourne beckons at ANZ Stadium on Sunday night.
My Lil Girl Ready To Roll. ?????? #NRLfinals Decked out in her Uniform thanks to @ashtabula_baby
A post shared by John Asiata (@john_asiata) on Sep 22, 2017 at 7:20pm PDT
Asiata has spent parts of the year playing halfback in Johnathan Thurston's absence, signed a new three-year deal in May and welcomed his firstborn, daughter Eleana, into the world on the eve of the finals series.
And after scoring his first try of the season after he broke his hand he just wants another ring to cap off a memorable 2017.
"It's pretty crazy," Asiata said. "I've signed a new deal and then having a baby, that was all so exciting.
"Then talking to the wife a few weeks ago we spoke about what would happen if we got into the GF and how crazy this year would be. Now knowing we're going to be there ??? it's a blessing.
"I have got to give everything to God because he's provided me with the strength every day I go out there and he protects me. Going out there with this hand knowing he's protecting me, I'm good."
