'Welcome to the world' Roosters player Jared Waerea-Hargeaves becomes a father as daughter Zahli Rae is born  

Jared Waerea-Hargeaves has welcomed his first child.

The Sydney Roosters player's wife Chelsea Cormack gave birth to baby girl Zahli Rae on Wednesday night.

He took to Instagram to introduce to the world his sleeping daughter wrapped in a colourful blanket, and affectionately wrote 'welcome to the world our beautiful Zahli Rae...'

Bundle of joy: On Wednesday night Sydney Roosters player Jared Waerea-Hargeaves introduced to the world his daughter Zahli Rae

Bundle of joy: On Wednesday night Sydney Roosters player Jared Waerea-Hargeaves introduced to the world his daughter Zahli Rae

New parents: The Sydney Roosters player's wife Chelsea Cormack gave birth to baby girl Zahli Rae on Wednesday night. Pictured here earlier this year

New parents: The Sydney Roosters player's wife Chelsea Cormack gave birth to baby girl Zahli Rae on Wednesday night. Pictured here earlier this year

The first of two pictures of their bundle of sleeping beauty was a black and white shot that saw her resting in his hands.

In the second shot Zahli was swaddled in a pink and grey polka-dot onesie and a colourful blanket.

'Afternoon nap for my little princess,' the rugged 26-year-old athlete wrote in the post's caption.

The posts were flooded with congratulatory likes and comments, with one fan writing, 'So beautiful! Congrats Jared and Chelsea and welcome ZWH' and 'beautiful Jared also love her name.'

Touching moment: The first of two pictures of their bundle of joy was a black and white shot that saw her resting in his hands

Touching moment: The first of two pictures of their bundle of joy was a black and white shot that saw her resting in his hands

According to Jared, young Zahli was actually due for a Saturday birth - the same day the Roosters face the Parramatta Eels.

'Baby is due on Saturday, the 15th. We play on Saturday, the 15th, against Parramatta,' he told the Daily Telegraph

'I will have my fingers crossed, my toes crossed, that she comes early' he said this week - ahead of that that exact wish being granted.

Action man: According to Jared, young Zahli was actually due for a Saturday birth - the same day the Roosters face the Parramatta Eels

Action man: According to Jared, young Zahli was actually due for a Saturday birth - the same day the Roosters face the Parramatta Eels

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