Mackenzie Wiki is already building a fanbase of her own in the Australian capital. Photo: Instagram
Kiwi Ferns Mackenzie Wiki is ready to make a name for herself, and it's not 'Ruben Wiki's daughter.'
While the Canberra Raiders fullback says she is honoured to carry the Wiki name, Mackenzie wants to carve out her own legacy on the rugby league field.
"I want to follow in my dad's steps, but also make a name for myself in the same sport as my father."
Now it is time to write her legend.
"Obviously, I'm very proud to be Ruben Wiki's daughter and that's definitely been the talk ever since I got into footy but the main goal is to make a name for myself as Mackenzie Wiki and not get called 'Reben Wiki's daughter' all the time. I don't mind. It never offends me, but it's nice to be called my name instead."
The 23-year-year old is already building a fanbase of her own in the Australian capital.
"I think I'm creating my own path here in Canberra, getting stopped every now and then and being noticed for who I am, which is very cool and very honouring."
Wiki was one of four debutants named in the Kiwi Ferns squad for the Pacific Championships.
"I'm still kind of processing it, this is a dream I've had for a while, to represent my country in any sport, and now that it's in my chosen sport, it's pretty surreal."
On one of her regular phone calls with Kiwi Ferns coach Rikki Henry, she mentioned that she was really missing her mum.
"Well the good news is you will get to see her soon, because you've been selected for the Kiwi Ferns," he replied.
It has been a rapid ascend for Wiki, who only took up league in 2020.
"I didn't start in footy, it wasn't my sport or what I wanted to pursue when I was a little girl. I was doing different sports, swimming, touch, netball. I wasn't even thinking about being footy player like my dad."
Getting into the seven-a-side game towards the end of school, it was Wiki's brother who convinced her to take the rugby league path.
Mackenzie Wiki in action for the Raiders. Photo: Instagram
"My brother was the one that forced me to play and I've been loving my journey ever since. I just felt like it was my calling, and ever since then, I've just wanted to represent my country. I'm still kind of fresh to the sport, but I've been around it my whole life, so I felt like I've been in it forever."
Former Kiwis captain Ruben Wiki was obviously a proud dad.
"He was just happy that one of his kids would be following his footsteps. It wasn't an expectation for either me or my brother, but it was definitely a blessing for dad and ever since then, he's been very supportive It's been crazy cool, because I can pick up any information from my dad before, after every game."
Wiki said she was her dad's biggest fan during his playing days.
"I've been going to games since I was in nappies. From Raiders, to Warriors, to the Kiwis.."
Although his popularity was lost on a young Wiki.
"I didn't realise my dad was famous until I was nine or 10. I thought it was just a normal thing that your dad goes out on a field and smashes a whole lot of people, so I didn't really understand the whole concept of it. And then later realising 'oh, my dad's bit of a legend".'
With the Warriors set to join the NRLW in 2025, Wiki would not rule out the possibility of a move back across the ditch.
"I love home, I love the Warriors, but I've got got a lot to pursue here in Australia first. I would love to come back home, but i'm still trying to find my footing here in Australia. So, maybe in the long run."
Whether it was sevens, touch or league, Wiki knew she always wanted to wear the silver fern.
"The end goal was to play for New Zealand. but I knew there was a process and I've always been quite patient with my journey and whatever happens, happens."
The Pacific Championships will not be Wiki's first taste of International League, having represented the Cook Islands at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
"We didn't win all our games, but it was the best experience going up against idols and it was all for my mum and my grandfather. It was a very special moment telling them that I've been selected for the Cook Islands, because I got to represent my culture."
Whether it was sevens, touch or league, Mackenzie Wiki knew she always wanted to wear the silver fern. Photo: Instagram