He's been a bundle of energy and enthusiasm since walking through the doors of Wests Tigers this season, so it's little surprise the birth of his first chance hasn't slowed down Luciano Leilua just yet.
Even if the sleepless nights are a little challenging to adjust to.
After welcoming his first child Ida-Lynn in to the world on Friday, Leilua opened up on the remarkable tale of his partner Dora — who began her labour before the Samoan international took to the field against South Sydney on Thursday.
With Wests Tigers' season on the line and needing a win to keep their finals hopes alive, Leilua — with the blessing of Dora it must be noted — took to the field at night despite Ivy-Lynn beginning her journey to the world.
He would play the entire 80 minutes... shower... and then go to the hospital where they would soon welcome a beautiful baby girl in to the world.
"I guess I was a bit of a chance of not playing last week," he said.
"She [Dora] went to labour on the Thursday but she wasn't active so it was all good. She gave me the blessing to play so I did.
"I went out there and tried to get us the win with the season on the line.
"We didn't have the baby until the next day.
"But it's sweet and I love it so far. There's a few sleepless nights — three hours, wake up, feed her, sleep, wake up again — but I'm just so happy."
With Women in League Round this weekend, Leilua was full of praise for his partner and mother and their role in his live, but couldn't be torn on which was harder for him at the moment — playing rugby league or raising a newborn.
"Ahhhh, probably doing both at the same time," he said with a smile.
A smile that won't be going away anytime soon, either.
