Make the jersey your own: Dad's wise words driving Mackenzie

Mackenzie Wiki has spent much of her rugby league journey carrying a famous surname, but on a milestone day for the Canberra Raiders centre, she proved the green jersey belongs to her. 

Playing her 25th NRLW match for the Raiders, Wiki crossed for two tries as Canberra secured a 42-16 victory against the Warriors in her milestone game.  

For Wiki, the occasion carried extra meaning. As the daughter of Raiders great Ruben Wiki, she has grown up surrounded by the expectations that come with a legendary name. 

But the 24-year-old said the advice from her father has always been simple... embrace the opportunity and make the jersey her own. 

“It’s awesome wearing the same colours as my dad. But you know the message from him is to make your own name in the green jersey”, Wiki told NRL.com.

"I think we’ve both made a name for ourselves, and I’m just carrying on that tradition for the Wikis.” 

Ruben Wiki played 224 games for the Green Machine from 1993 to 2004, including the Raiders' premiership-winning side in 1994, before finishing his illustrious career with four seasons at the Warriors.

"I’m very grateful to be in the same jersey and I hope I can make many more (memories) in the same jersey," Mackenzie said.

Born and raised in Queanbeyan, which borders the nation’s capital, Wiki has always called the ACT her second home. 

“I’ve been here since the inaugural season so 25 games for the Raiders, it's just such a surreal thing," she said.

“I feel like we have such unity in the club and you know I just want to put my best out there for the club and what they’ve done for me over the four years.” 

Raiders coach Darrin Borthwick praised not only Wiki’s performance but also her personal drive throughout her time at the club.

“To see her growth and development over the last three years, yeah really happy. I think she’s forged a name for herself now and I know that she will keep continuing to get better," Borthwick said.

“I’m glad she’s on our team and she’s doing a really good job at the moment with our back five and leading the charge with that, so I’m really happy for her.” 

While Wiki’s dad has had a hand in shaping her playing career she wasn’t shy to mention the massive impact her mum has made as well.  

"I think my mum has been the biggest influence in my career. She is a strong woman. I just want to continue the way she lives life and do that on the field as well.”