"Outbursts of crying": Kefu speaks for the first time since brutal home invasion
Wallabies star Toutai Kefu has spoken out for the first time since a brutal home invasion that left his family in hospital.
He spoke to reporters outside his Brisbane home, saying "I'm taking it day-by-day."
"At times you just, you know, there's outbursts of crying."
Toutai's wife Rachel will remain in the hospital for a further two weeks, and may never gain full use of her arms back.
Toutai, his daughter Maddi and son Josh were also stabbed during the attack.
The invasion took place on Monday morning, when Toutai's wife heard rustling noises that she mistook for a possum.
When she went to investigate, she was confronted by four teenage boys, aged between 13 and 15, and the invasion quickly turned violent.
The teenagers allegedly started to attack the family with a machete and an axe, waking up Josh.
"He absolutely went into beast mode, you know, I had the two intruders on me and he just jumped in with no fear, and he copped a couple of hacks to his back," Toutai said.
"It could have been certainly a different outcome if he didn't turn up, he had no thought for his own safety."
The four teenage boys responsible for the attack have been charged with 44 offences, including grievous bodily harm and attempted murder.
Toutai thanked the police, doctors, members of the public and the rugby union community for the flood of support since the attack.
"I'd just like to thank everyone for keeping us in their thoughts during that time."
He said, "As a family we're very, very grateful and thankful to have that kind of support, so we really appreciate it."
Image credit: Getty Images