They may have had a robust relationship in recent years but it looks like Karl Stefanovic and his son Jackson are putting their differences aside for a cause close to their heart – the State of Origin.
On Wednesday night, the proud Queensland supporters got together at The Oaks pub in Sydney’s Neutral Bay to cheer on the Maroons as they went head-to-head against NSW.
Taking to Instagram to document their father-son outing, Today star Karl posted a sweet snap showing the pair looking intently at a phone ahead of the game.
“Queenslanders do their homework. At the pub. That’s the difference. Jacko and I reckon by a slim 40 points tonight,” he quipped.
Although the pair’s prediction was off with the NSW Blues beating the Queensland Maroons by a whopping 50-6, the loss didn’t stop them from having a fun night out together.
While Karl lives in Sydney, the 46-year-old is a proud Queenslander who grew up in Capalaba in Brisbane’s south side.
Fans and friends were quick to comment on the touching father-son snap.
Nothing beats a father-son bonding moment and on Wednesday night, Karl and his oldest son Jackson headed to the pub to watch the State of Origin together.
(Image: Instagram)“Great father son moment right there😉🍺,” one supporter said.
“Omg your son is as gorgeous as u Karl 🔥🔥😍😍,” another remarked of the 21-year-old.
“Nice to see you guys enjoying this game. Jackson in a Queensland shirt …good on you guys,” Karl’s mum Jenny added.
Since Karl’s divorce from Cassandra Thorburn, Jackson has had a complicated relationship with his famous dad.
Jackson, who has deferred studying music after starting a degree course in 2019, championed his mum following the public divorce, telling Woman’s Day in a previous interview that “someone had to step up and protect her.”
“My mother is the most extraordinary person!” Jackson has said of Cass.
(Image: Woman’s Day/Phillip Castleton)However behind-the-scenes, the pair have been working on their relationship.
Even Cassandra, who has told friends of Jackson’s struggle with his parents’ divorce and the acrimony that followed, has admitted she’s hopeful the father and son can mend their relationship.
“I think it’s great that Jackson is spending time with his dad,” she told Woman’s Day in September 2019.
Karl shares Jackson, 21, daughter Ava, 14, and son River, 12, with ex-wife Cass and also has a one-year-old daughter Harper with second wife Jasmine.
Karl has had a rocky relationship with his son but it appears things are on the mend.
(Image: Instagram)