The 2025 season of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! is kicking off with a bang, and one of the most exciting names entering the jungle is former NRL legend Sam Thaiday.
Known for his cheeky sense of humour and larger-than-life personality, Sam is sure to bring laughs and heart to the South African jungle. But who exactly is Sam Thaiday, and what’s the story behind his family life with wife Rachel and their two daughters?

Sam Thaiday’s rugby league legacy
Sam Thaiday made his name as one of the greatest NRL players of his generation. A one-club man, Sam played 304 games for the Brisbane Broncos between 2003 and 2018, earning 29 caps for the Queensland Maroons in State of Origin and representing Australia in 34 international matches.
Since retiring, Sam has stayed in the spotlight as a sports commentator and panellist, regularly appearing on shows like The Today Show, The Sunday Footy Show, and Nine’s rugby league coverage.
Now, Sam is trading his usual seat on the commentary panel for a camp bed in the jungle. Fans can expect his trademark humour and warmth to light up the campsite, but he’ll undoubtedly miss his biggest supporters—his family.

Who is Sam Thaiday’s wife? Meet Rachel Thaiday
Meet Sam’s wife, Rachel. A powerhouse in her own right, Rachel is a personal trainer, blogger, entrepreneur, and co-host of the popular parenting podcast Am I a Bad Mum? alongside Katie Mattin. The podcast explores the ups and downs of motherhood, tackling everything from funny moments to deeply personal topics, such as Rachel’s struggles with post-natal depression.
Rachel has been open about the challenges of being a footballer’s wife, saying she’s often been underestimated because of her husband’s career. “In our relationship, we’ve always stood next to each other equally—not in front or behind,” she previously told The Courier Mail. Her journey to build her own identity has inspired her daughters to dream big and stand tall.
Rachel has also credited her close friends and her own mother for helping her navigate the highs and lows of parenting and life in the public eye.
Inside Sam and Rachel Thaiday’s family life
The couple joined the 2021 season of Parental Guidance alongside their daughters Gracie and Ellsie who were 7 and 5 at the time. Self-proclaimed “Helicopter parents,” Rachel described herself as a “smother mother” sharing on the show how the couple had proudly reclaimed the term “helicopter parenting,” and explaining that she and Sam are always nearby to guide and support their daughters as they navigate life.
Sam and Rachel’s parenting style strikes a balance between being protective and allowing their daughters to explore. “We’re not overbearing helicopters—more like fire and rescue,” Sam once joked. The couple’s daughters, Gracie and Ellsie, are active, adventurous kids who enjoy climbing trees, dancing, and playing sports.
However, being in the public eye does come with challenges. Sam and Rachel are mindful of teaching their daughters about “stranger danger,” as fans frequently approach Sam in public to chat about his Broncos career. Despite these challenges, the couple remains committed to raising strong, independent girls.

As Sam swaps the comforts of home for the trials of the jungle, fans are eager to see how he handles the challenges ahead. Will his experience as a team player help him bond with his fellow campmates? And how will he cope with being away from Rachel and the kids?
With his trademark humour and ability to bring people together, Sam Thaiday is sure to be one of the season’s standout stars. And while he braves the jungle, Rachel and their daughters will undoubtedly be cheering him on from back home in Queensland.