Backstage with Cooper & Matty Johns

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 u...

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...

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...

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, wh...

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:/...

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 th...

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...

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...

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 iconi...

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...

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...

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 select...

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...

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 challeng...

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. Su...

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...

In this week's episode, Cooper and Matty sit down with NSW Premier Chris Minns for an engaging conversation that covers a wide range of topics. They discuss the recent events in the US, including the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, delve into the world of politics, explore Minns' family life, and talk about his love for the Bulldogs. The Premier also shares his aspirations in politics and...

In this week's episode, Cooper and Matty Johns chat with Manly Sea Eagles superstar Tom Trbojevic, delving into various aspects of his career. They discuss his return from injury, the role of his family in his success, and his brother Jake captaining NSW. The conversation highlights Tom's impressive NRL rise and exceptional form in the 2021 season. Along the way, they share a few laughs and secret...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty Johns talk with Chance Burns, who shares his inspiring journey of resilience. Once a successful fashion entrepreneur, Chance's life changed drastically after a diving accident left him a quadriplegic. Despite this, he discovered a profound inner strength and embarked on a path of self-discovery. Now a keynote speaker, Chance inspires others by sharing his story an...

This week, Cooper and Matty connect with their close friend, Brian Carney, via the Elon Musk Starlink satellite. Brian, a former Wigan Warriors standout, Newcastle Knights star, and Munster Rugby player, joins the chat to share a wealth of stories from his illustrious career. They discuss Brian’s role post-career on the Sky Sports Commentary team, while the trio also delves into their shared past,...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty Johns review Origin 2, breaking down various parts of the match. They name their top 5 players from the game, analyze the kicking game, and highlight the big plays. Additionally, they look ahead to Origin 3 in Queensland, discussing key factors and potential strategies. Subscribe and Follow  Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagecoopermattyjohns...

In this week's episode, Cooper and Matty Johns chat with rugby league legend Mitchell Pearce about his experiences in State of Origin. The boys preview Origin II in Melbourne, discussing team dynamics, key players, and Pearce's expectations for the match. They discuss the pressures, praise, and criticism involved in State of Origin football, Pearce's challenges as a young player entering the arena...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty interview Brendan Cowell, a prominent Australian actor known for his roles in "Game of Thrones" and "Avatar: The Way of Water." Brendan shares his experiences working with the late Philip Seymour Hoffman and Blockbuster Director James Cameron, offering insights into the acting world and his diverse career. He also discusses his upcoming series "Plum," set to relea...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty Johns sit down with brothers Nathan and Garth Wood for an engaging conversation spanning their careers in rugby league and boxing. They delve into Nathan’s reputation as a serial prankster in rugby league. The discussion then shifts to Garth's remarkable journey in Australian boxing, culminating in his fight with Anthony Mundine. Plus, they explore their father Ba...

In this episode, Cooper and Matty Johns review Origin 1, breaking down various parts of the match. They name their top 5 players from the game, analyze the kicking game, and highlight the big plays. Additionally, they look ahead to Origin 2 in Melbourne, discussing key factors and potential strategies. Subscribe and Follow Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backstagecoopermattyjohns/...