Former NRL Star's Heartbreaking Family Revelation
Mark Riddell, the beloved rugby league cult hero known affectionately as 'Piggy', emotionally broke down in tears during a recent podcast appearance as he opened up about his daughter's extremely rare genetic condition. The former hooker, who enjoyed a successful 10-year career in the NRL, found himself overwhelmed while discussing his eight-year-old daughter Ava's health struggles with rugby league legend Mark Geyer on the Life in 5ive podcast.
The Mystery Diagnosis: Ogden Syndrome
Riddell revealed that his daughter suffers from Ogden Syndrome, an exceptionally rare genetic disorder that affects just four children across Australia and approximately 120 worldwide. The condition remained undiagnosed for years, with medical professionals referring to Ava as the "Mystery Baby" during her first twelve months of life.
The family endured countless hospital visits during Ava's infancy, with Riddell's wife Karli spending three to four months living permanently at the children's hospital. Ava faced multiple health challenges including swallowing difficulties, recurrent pneumonia, and heart complications before receiving the definitive Ogden Syndrome diagnosis approximately three years ago.
Riddell explained the scientific basis of the condition, stating: "It is a relatively new Syndrome. What it is, is in your chromosome makeup, one letter is a T and it should be a C. And that's literally it. It doesn't come from mum and it doesn't come from dad."
Family Life and Career Impact
The 44-year-old former footballer, who made 92 appearances for St George Illawarra Dragons before playing for Parramatta, Wigan and Sydney Roosters, met his wife Karli twenty years ago at the Rosehill Races. The couple have three children together - Harry, William and their daughter Ava.
During the emotional podcast conversation, Riddell acknowledged his tendency to bottle up emotions about his daughter's condition. He admitted: "I think for me as a dad and she's eight now, you sort of bottle everything up. You think you're alright and you say you're alright. I personally need to talk more about it and feel more comfortable talking about it."
Despite the challenges, Riddell remains optimistic about his daughter's future, noting that "She's really healthy in herself" and expressing hope that "Ava will go on to live a long and healthy life."
The former NRL star revealed that his daughter's condition significantly influenced his decision to return to rugby league in a coaching capacity. He currently serves as an assistant coach for St George's NRLW side and was recently appointed as the Dragons' NRLW and female pathways recruitment lead.
Riddell explained his motivation: "That's probably one of the big reasons why I'm back doing what I'm doing with the girls in the rugby league space. She [Ava] will never be able to do that, play footy or sort of things like that. She can't do it. But if I can help the other girls achieve their dreams, then I've done the right thing."
His coaching journey began in 2013 when he coached the New South Wales State Challenge team, where he gave current Dragons' head of football Sammy Bremner her NSW debut. Reflecting on the growth of women's rugby league, Riddell recalled that in 2013, the New South Wales side stayed in a caravan park in Penrith before matches, highlighting the significant progress the women's game has made since then.
