This week, we’re joined by rugby league legend Shaun Johnson to reflect on his incredible career.From the Warriors and Sharks to winning the Golden Boot, Shaun opens up about the highs, injuries and self-doubt.He shares the lessons that shaped him, his transition into media, and his passion for the game.Plus, the rise of the Wahs, the Kiwis and what’s next for rugby league. Subscribe, Watch, and FollowCatch the full episode on YouTube and stay updated by following us on social media:Linktree: Backstage with Cooper & Matty Contact UsFor any enquiries, email us at:[email protected] 0:00-Podcast Intro 2:00-Welcome SJ 9:00-Family 13:00-Cultured 15:30-Growing Up in NZ 20:00-The Wahs! 25:00-Debut 2011 33:30-James Maloney 36:00-Feel for the Game 40:00-Nathan Cleary 41:40-2011 Grand Final 44:00-Playing Footy 45:20-World Cup Moments 48:00-Cronulla Sharks 53:00-2nd Stint at THE WAHS! 55:00-UP THE WAHS! 57:00-The Kiwis 1:00:00-Winning the Comp! 1:02:20-The All Blacks 1:03:20-Lone SurvivorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trish is in China, so Cooper's partner Poppy steps in for her first-ever Family Pod. Quantum MC, Uncle John stories, Melbourne transport gripes, and a deep dive into Cooper's ongoing AFL feud all make an appearance. Billy Slater and the NRL Tips round out. Subscribe, Watch, and FollowCatch the full episode on YouTube and stay updated by following us on social media:Linktree: Backstage with Cooper & Matty Contact UsFor any enquiries, email us at:[email protected] 0:00-Special Guests 13:00-Quantum MC 18:00-Uncle John 20:30-Melbourne Transport 22:00-Knights Old Boys Day 23:00-Cooper’s AFL Feud 28:40-Film, Fame & Vinyl 50:00-Billy Slater 52:00-NRL TipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Keary opens up on his journey from a Rabbitoh to Roosters premiership winner, sharing untold stories about Craig Bellamy's and Cooper Cronk's now-infamous house party. He gets real about the brutal 2018 Grand Final gameplan against Storm's defence, and the toll of repeated head knocks. Plus, James Tedesco's tactics to longevity, whilst Luke names the Best he's ever played with. MERCH LINK HERE: https://3b1e7f.myshopify.com/ Subscribe, Watch, and FollowCatch the full episode on YouTube and stay updated by following us on social media:Linktree: Backstage with Cooper & Matty Contact UsFor any enquiries, email us at:[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Keary opens up on his journey from a Rabbitoh to Roosters premiership winner, sharing untold stories about Craig Bellamy's and Cooper Cronk's now-infamous house party. He gets real about the brutal 2018 Grand Final gameplan against Storm's defence, and the toll of repeated head knocks. Plus, James Tedesco's tactics to longevity, whilst Luke names the Best he's ever played with. MERCH LINK HERE: https://3b1e7f.myshopify.com/ Subscribe, Watch, and FollowCatch the full episode on YouTube and stay updated by following us on social media:Linktree: Backstage with Cooper & Matty Contact UsFor any enquiries, email us at:[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cooper goes off on the AFL vs NRL debate, the boys dodge weddings, Bon Jovi, and Tokyo trip chat, then somehow land on cuticles and personal space before wrapping with the week's NRL tips. MERCH LINK HERE: https://3b1e7f.myshopify.com/ Subscribe, Watch, and FollowCatch the full episode on YouTube and stay updated by following us on social media:Linktree: Backstage with Cooper & Matty Contact UsFor any enquiries, email us at:[email protected] Timestamps 0:00-Inking Paper 3:00-Cooper AFL Beef 8:00-No Ass Johns 12:00-Wedding Celebrant 17:00-Bon Jovi 22:00-Paddo Inn 25:00-Troph Lolly 28:00-Tokyo 31:00-The Liver 33:00-Personal Space 37:40-Cuticles 47:00-NRL Tips  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The race to the NRL finals heats up as Isiah Yeo’s injury puts Penrith’s premiership hopes under the microscope.The Wahs are flying, the ladder is tightening, and we ask whether Webster or the Warriors deserve more credit for their rise.Plus, the Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Knights, Dolphins, Global Round — and a fiery AFL rant to finish! MERCH LINK HERE: https://3b1e7f.myshopify.com/ Subscribe, Watch, and FollowCatch the full episode on YouTube and stay updated by following us on social media:Linktree: Backstage with Cooper & Matty Contact UsFor any enquiries, email us at:[email protected] Timestamps 0:00-The Mock 3:00-The Sharks 11:00-Isiah Yeo Pec Injury 13:00-The Panthers 19:30-The Ladder 22:00-The Bulldogs 26:40-The Sea Eagles 30:30-The Wahs! 36:00-The Knights 38:00-The Dolphins 41:00-Global Round 44:30-The AFL BeefSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Lebanese BBQ sparks one of the wildest conversations we've ever had, before the boys tackle outrageous wedding costs, an unforgettable visit from Gaz & Gayle, and Matt's sleepless night. Cooper also makes a huge bet with Nicho Hynes that could see him dye his hair blonde, before wrapping up with NRL tips. MERCH LINK HERE: https://3b1e7f.myshopify.com/ Subscribe, Watch, and FollowCatch the full episode on YouTube and stay updated by following us on social media:Linktree: Backstage with Cooper & Matty Contact UsFor any enquiries, email us at:[email protected] Timestamp 0:00-Lebanese BBQ 7:00-Balls & BJs 10:00-Gaz & Gayle Visited 17:30-Wedding Costs 23:30-Nicho Hynes Bet 28:00-Matt’s Sleepless Night 35:00-ASAP Rocky vs. Allan Peters 41:00-NRL TipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blues coach Laurie Daley joins us to reflect on the 2026 State of Origin series, revealing the key selection calls, leadership decisions and tactical moments that shaped NSW's success. He opens up on the pressure of coaching, his health scare, and the personal toll Origin takes on coaches and their families. The Johns family investigates one of life's greatest mysteries while a passionate local Italian launches an emotional campaign to bring Gutho home. Matty reveals his ultimate midlife crisis and delivers a surprisingly heartfelt love letter to the Escort in another beautifully unhinged episode. MERCH LINK HERE: https://3b1e7f.myshopify.com/ Subscribe, Watch, and FollowCatch the full episode on YouTube and stay updated by following us on social media:Linktree: Backstage with Cooper & Matty Contact UsFor any enquiries, email us at:[email protected] 0:00-B B Bounce! 3:00–Laurie’s Health6:30–Off the Drink8:45–Ricky Stuart12:00–Health Scare Article15:00–Origin Reflection21:45-Cameron Murray Decision24:00-Yeo Leadership27:00-Tactics & Players Mentality36:00-The Outside Noise40:00-The Toll of the Series43:00-Just Win!45:00-Billy Slater46:00-Toll on the Family48:00-Free Time51:00-Tommy RaudonikisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Johns family investigates one of life's greatest mysteries while a passionate local Italian launches an emotional campaign to bring Gutho home. Matty reveals his ultimate midlife crisis and delivers a surprisingly heartfelt love letter to the Escort in another beautifully unhinged episode. MERCH LINK HERE: https://3b1e7f.myshopify.com/ Subscribe, Watch, and FollowCatch the full episode on YouTube and stay updated by following us on social media:Linktree: Backstage with Cooper & Matty Contact UsFor any enquiries, email us at:[email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daily Telegraph journalist Brent Read joins us to discuss the highs and lows of modern journalism, rugby league's biggest feuds, and the stories behind some of sport's biggest events. From media scrutiny to behind-the-scenes tales, Brent gives an insider's perspective on the game and the industry that covers it. MERCH LINK HERE: https://3b1e7f.myshopify.com/ Subscribe, Watch, and FollowCatch the full episode on YouTube and stay updated by following us on social media:Linktree: Backstage with Cooper & Matty Contact UsFor any enquiries, email us at:[email protected] Timestamps 0:00-Ringer Going Off 2:00-Peter Badel 4:00-Paris Olympics 8:00-Journalism 27:00-The Dark Web 31:00-Feuds 34:00-Sporting Events 37:30-State of Origin 41:00-Nathan Cleary 49:00-NSL 51:30-Auction DraftSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.