Channel 7 sports presenter Alissa Smith and her husband, former NRL star Matt Ballin, are celebrating the arrival of their first child together, a healthy baby boy. The couple announced the joyful news on social media, introducing their son to the world.
A Beautiful and Early Arrival
Braxton David Ross Ballin made his entrance into the world slightly ahead of schedule, arriving on Wednesday, November 12 at 11:24pm. Despite his early appearance, his parents described the moment as perfectly timed.
"Welcome to the world, Braxton David Ross Ballin," the new parents shared. "Our beautiful son arrived a little earlier than expected — but somehow right on time for us. The moment we held him everything else faded away."
They confirmed that Braxton is healthy, perfect, and already deeply loved, expressing immense gratitude for the safe and healthy arrival of both mother and baby. They called it a "beautiful start to this new chapter" and warmly welcomed him to their family.
Blending Families and Celebrating Milestones
The couple, who tied the knot in October last year, had shared their pregnancy news back in June. Ballin, who has three older children from a previous relationship, shared heartwarming footage of his children visiting the hospital to meet their new baby brother, Brax. A beautiful family photo now captures the newly expanded family of six.
Smith, who joined the 7NEWS team in 2023, recently wrapped up her work commitments to begin maternity leave. She posted about her final bulletin at the end of October, calling it a "special night."
"Thank you to my wonderful colleagues for the beautiful flowers and the kind send-off — I’m so grateful for this team and for everyone who’s been part of the journey so far," Smith wrote. "It meant the world to have Matt and our family there to make such a special moment in my career."
A New Chapter for the Ballin Family
On the same night, Matt Ballin paid a touching tribute to his wife on social media. "Tonight’s Channel 7 bulletin will be a special one — Alissa’s last before maternity leave," he wrote. "She’s worked so hard, showing up every night with professionalism, warmth and care, all while being the most loving step-mum to Fletch, Murph and Kenz."
He expressed the family's pride, adding, "Now it’s time for her next big chapter — becoming a mum herself."
Ballin's own life is about to get even busier. The 41-year-old, who retired as a player in 2017 after a career with the Manly Sea Eagles and a brief stint at Wests Tigers, will now be juggling life at home with a newborn alongside his pre-season coaching commitments at the Brisbane Broncos.
He joined the Broncos as an assistant coach in 2021 and has remained a key part of the coaching staff under new coach Michael Maguire, playing a crucial role in the team's recent grand final victory over Melbourne.
