NRL: Steve Price proud to be honoured

Steve Price with wife Jo, mum Margaret (R) and kids (from left) Jamie, Kasey and Riley. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Steve Price's kids were champing at the bit to help him celebrate being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit yesterday.

The proud Queenslander quipped last year he had double-checked that as an Australian he was actually allowed to get the gong, which recognises the former New Zealand Warriors captain's services to rugby league.

Kasey, 12, reckoned her dad should take siblings Jamie, 15, and Riley 9, shopping to mark the occasion.

Wife Jo said that would have been a good idea before the ceremony. Her husband had a wardrobe full of fancy threads but her sports-mad kids were a bit lacking for formal duds.

"Steve must have 13 suits from [State of] Origin. He's got plenty, but the kids, finding them something to wear was a bit of fun."

The family are staying in New Zealand as Jo works her way through a teaching degree. The honour was unexpected but on a par with the Prices' positive time in the country, she said.

Price, 37, said he was stoked the day was shared with his mum Margaret Sullivan, who had made the trip over from Toowoomba.

"It's just special. I've had loads of good experiences through sport. It makes me think 'I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for sport'.

"We've just had a cup of tea with the Queen's crown on the crockery, the kids don't do that every day."

Mrs Sullivan said there were tears welling watching Price shake the hand of Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand, and she was happy the country had semi-adopted her son.

"The country's been really good to him. Everyone is so friendly."