Backstage Best Of: NRL Stars We're kicking off the first edition of Backstage Best Of with highlights from some of the biggest names in Rugby League! Relive the best moments with Nathan Cleary, Tom Trbojevic, Campbell Graham, and Luke Brooks as we revisit their incredible interviews from this series. Enjoy the top stories and insights from these NRL superstars throughout November and December. Don’t forget to check out the full episodes with each player—and we’ll be back with more in...

SXSW Live Show Special Matty & Cooper sit down with Australian National Treasure, mathematician, and comedian Adam Spencer. The trio dives into an eclectic mix of topics, from NRL and AFL to the mysteries of asteroids and the role of mathematics in casinos. With his trademark wit, Adam demonstrates his incredible ability to break down complex ideas, making even the most intricate subjects accessible for everyone—including Cooper and Matty. Subscribe and Follow  Instagram:...

In this episode, Cooper & Matty sit down with newly retired NRL legend Aaron Woods. They dive into all things Rugby League in 2024, with Woodsy reflecting on the best and worst coaches of his career and some of the high points along the way. Cooper reminisces about their time together at Manly, sharing some behind-the-scenes stories, and they explore ways to continue growing the game. Subscribe and Follow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagecoopermattyjohns/ TikTok: ...

In this episode, Cooper & Matty sit down with Newcastle Knights Captain Kalyn Ponga for an in-depth look into his career and personality. Kalyn opens up about pivotal behind-the-scenes stories from his journey so far, reflects on standout moments, and shares insights on the challenges of balancing his unique personality with the demands of professional rugby league. The conversation also covers his thoughts on Seasons 2024 and 2025 and his aspirations for what's next. Subscribe and...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty sit down with Gold Coast Titans hooker and one of Cooper's great mates, Sam Verrills. They dive into Sam's journey to the NRL, sharing the highs and lows that shaped his career. Sam opens up about a personal family tragedy and how it influenced his path. The conversation also highlights the impact of Des Hasler at the Titans and the changes he's bringing to the club. Plus, Sam relives his incredible story leading up to the 2019 NRL Grand Final, where he made...

This week, Cooper & Matty are joined by Denan Kemp from Bloke in a Bar. They discuss Denan's journey in building the Bloke brand, dive into all things rugby league, and compare coaching legends Wayne Bennett and Ivan Cleary. The trio also share their personal highs and lows from the season and cover much more throughout Denan's career off the field. Subscribe and Follow Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagecoopermattyjohns/ Follow our TikTok: ...

In this episode, Cooper & Matty dive into the aftermath of the 2024 NRL Grand Final, breaking down each team's performance in the big game. They discuss the entertainment value of the event, analyze the dominance of the Penrith Panthers dynasty, and explore Jarome Luai's upcoming move to the Wests Tigers. The hosts also tackle the burning question on everyone's mind: "Is Nathan Cleary the greatest player of all time?" Tune in for in-depth analysis and lively debate as they wrap up the...

First Edition of the Matty Johns Quiz - Grand Final Special Join us for the inaugural edition of the Matty Johns Quiz, where Matty takes you through 50 challenging and entertaining questions all about rugby league grand finals. This quiz is designed for the true rugby league tragics, testing your knowledge of the biggest stage in the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just want to see how much you remember from past grand finals, this episode is a must-listen! Matty's Scorecard 0-10 = GO...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty dive into the big news of Michael Maguire’s arrival at Broncos HQ, analyzing what this means for the club moving forward. The duo also speculates on who will step up as the next Blues coach for the State of Origin series. As the NRL Grand Final approaches, they provide an in-depth preview of the highly anticipated clash, sharing insights and predictions. To wrap up, they reveal the winners of their backstage awards for the 2024 season, celebrating standout...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty dive into a massive week of NRL Finals action, starting with the shock resignation of Broncos head coach Kevin Walters. They discuss what led to his departure and speculate on potential candidates to take over the reins. The duo also examines the impact of Nelson Asofa-Solomona's looming 4-5 week suspension ahead of the Melbourne Storm's Grand Final clash against the Penrith Panthers, and what it means for the Storm's chances. Wrapping up, they break down the...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty Johns preview the week 3 NRL Finals matchups, sharing their insights while having fun with a game of cards along the way. They break down key games - Panthers vs Sharks & Roosters vs Storm. The duo shares their favourites, analyses each team’s strengths and weaknesses, and enjoys debating potential upsets. Subscribe and Follow Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagecoopermattyjohns/ Follow our TikTok: ...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty review the NRL Finals after Week 2, with Matty providing all the insights as Cooper missed both matches due to what seems like an adventurous weekend. While Matty breaks down the games in detail, Cooper steers the conversation toward his wild weekend. The episode takes an unexpected turn with a brief guest appearance from Canberra Raiders backrower Zac Hosking, who drops in for a minute before exiting the studio. Subscribe and Follow Follow our Instagram:...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty Johns preview the week 2 NRL Finals matchups, sharing their insights while having fun with a game of cards along the way. They break down key games - Cowboys vs Sharks & Roosters vs Sea Eagles. The duo shares their favourites, analyses each team’s strengths and weaknesses, and enjoys debating potential upsets. Subscribe and Follow Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagecoopermattyjohns/ Follow our TikTok: ...

Cooper and Matty Johns take on the role of coaches in the aftermath of Week 1 of the NRL Finals. Matty, unfortunately, found himself representing all the losing teams after picking second to Cooper in last week’s preview. The post-match press conference format brings plenty of laughs, especially as Cooper revels his successful picks and channels his inner winning coach. Meanwhile, Matty handles the more serious side, diving into what went wrong for the teams he represented. From tactical...

This week on the podcast, Cooper and Matty Johns sit down with rugby league icon Gorden "The Raging Bull" Tallis. The former Brisbane Broncos legend and current Fox Sports host shares his thoughts on the Broncos' current form and reflects on his early career. Gorden dives into the valuable lessons he's learned from coaches, memorable moments with great players he’s played alongside, and, of course, some fun stories involving Fletch and Hindy. Subscribe and Follow  Follow our Instagram:...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty Johns preview the upcoming NRL Finals matchups, sharing their insights while having fun with a game of cards along the way. They break down key games, including Storm vs Sharks, Knights vs Cowboys, Panthers vs Roosters, and Bulldogs vs Sea Eagles. The duo shares their personal favorites, analyzes each team’s strengths and weaknesses, and enjoys debating potential upsets. Subscribe and Follow Follow our Instagram:...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty Johns sit down with NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire to reflect on the recently concluded 2024 State of Origin series. They dive into Maguire’s coaching career, discussing his achievements and challenges with South Sydney, Melbourne Storm, and Wests Tigers. Maguire shares stories about impressive players he's coached and offers insights into his time at these iconic clubs. The conversation also touches on the possibility of him returning to club coaching in...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty Johns chat with Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo about the team's outstanding form in the 2024 NRL season. Ciraldo discusses the impact of new recruits, the rise of emerging leaders, and some surprise performers who have played pivotal roles. He also mentions a few players who bring a bit of mischief to training. As the Bulldogs gear up for the 2024 NRL Finals, Ciraldo offers insights into their preparations and the strategies they're...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty Johns chat with Australian actor Angus Sampson. The conversation covers a range of topics, including Sampson's experiences working on "Mad Max," his passion for Rugby League, and his thoughts on the movie "Footy Legends." They also delve into his acting career and his fondness for the Johns family. Toward the end, Angus takes the lead, turning the tables by asking the hosts a series of his own questions. Please note that this episode contains discussions of...

In this episode of "Backstage," Cooper and Matthew break from their usual format to unveil their long-awaited "Team to Save Your Life" (All-Time Edition). They each reveal their hand-picked lineup of 1-17 rugby league players, along with a coach, chosen for a variety of reasons. Matthew kicks things off by outlining the rules in the introduction, setting the stage for a deep dive into their selections. Throughout the episode, they provide insightful rugby league analysis while celebrating the...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty Johns dive into the mystery surrounding an Olympic icon, exploring the intriguing circumstances of an iconic Olympic mascot and its mysterious disappearance. Matty also shares behind-the-scenes stories from his coverage of the Paris Games over the past month, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the world of the Olympics. Please note that this episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including trauma & mental health.   Listener discretion is...

Champion Australian jockey Tommy Berry joins the boys this week to discuss rugby league, horse racing, Steve Irwin, his life—including the tragic passing of his twin brother, Nathan—and much more. Please note that this episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including trauma & mental health.   Listener discretion is advised.   If your battling your own personal mental health challenges, please Visit: www.lifeline.org.au www.gotcha4life.org Subscribe and Follow  Follow our...

This week, Cooper and Matty are joined by Australian singer-songwriter Amy Shark. The episode kicks off with a playful prank on Matty, set up by Cooper and Amy. They delve into Amy's history with the Gold Coast Titans, her new album Sunday Sadness, and her evolving career, including her recent transition into television. The conversation also covers Amy’s top 5 songs of all time and much more. Subscribe and Follow  Follow our Instagram:...

In this week's episode, Cooper and Matty interview Australian soccer legend Robbie Slater. They discuss a variety of topics, including Slater's interaction with the great Diego Maradona, the journey from Sydney to the Euro League, the Matildas, Blackburn Rovers, and even Bon Jovi. The conversation covers a mix of soccer insights and great stories.  Subscribe and Follow  Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagecoopermattyjohns/ Follow our TikTok:...