Backstage with Cooper & Matty Johns
Welcome to the Backstage with Cooper & Matty Johns Podcast Channel Mondays - Backstage with Cooper & Matty Join Matty and Cooper Johns as they chat with some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, and beyond. From untold stories to career highlights, these conversations dive deep into the lives of remarkable people, offering inspiration and plenty of laughs along the way. Fridays - Johns Family Podcast The Johns family is back for their 6th year! Matty, Trish, Jack, and Cooper come together to share hilarious stories, discuss pop culture and sports, and play their signature games. With occasional special guests, Fridays...
Cooper Risks His Hair AGAINST Nicho Hynes
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.
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#94 | Laurie Daley | Selection Calls, Origin Reflection & Will to Win!
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.
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"Where's the F**k'n Prawn Toast?"
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.
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#93 | Brent Read | Journalism, Rugby League & Media Feuds
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.
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Jack's Love Letter to the Postie 💌
Jack pens an unexpected love letter to one of Australia's unsung heroes before Trish's Quiz, Cooper's Riddle and an AI segment send things completely off the rails.
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0:00-Shingles
4:00-Albinos & Cheetahs
6:00-Matty’s Special Place
8:30-B...
#92 | Harry Grant | Part 2 | Storm 2026, Craig Bellamy, Loan Deals & State of Origin
Welcome to Part 2!
Harry Grant joins the boys to discuss Storm 2026, Craig Bellamy's legacy, and who could coach Melbourne next. The Storm captain also reflects on State of Origin, Queensland's future, and leadership at the highest level. Plus, Harry shares insights on loan deals, player development, and life inside the Melbourne Storm.
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#92 | Harry Grant | Part 1 | Wall of Legends, Army Camp & Storm Life
Welcome to Part 1!
Harry Grant joins the boys to discuss Storm 2026, Craig Bellamy's legacy, and who could coach Melbourne next. The Storm captain also reflects on State of Origin, Queensland's future, and leadership at the highest level. Plus, Harry shares insights on loan deals, player development, and life inside the Melbourne Storm.
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"I Was Born Upside Down"
Cooper pees in a cup mid-movie, Matty loses his wallet then cries not once but twice. Born upside down, questioned about crying over inanimate objects, and still not over that massage.
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0:00-Horrible Patient
6:30-Intro Question
9:00-Cooper’s...
#91 | Hudson Young On Origin Glory | Plus, Luai To Eels, Dogs or Panthers?
Hudson Young joins the pod fresh off the Blues' Origin series win to break down the victory. Plus, we dive into the Jarome Luai speculation — Eels, Bulldogs or Penrith, where's he landing?
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0:00-Breaking News
3:30-Hudson Young Interview
...
DOUBLE BUBBLE THROAT GOAT
The boys tackle the Throat Goat, Cooper gets locked up, and Jack drops his hottest segment yet. Michael Jordan, the FIFA World Cup, and a $5.3 billion NRL bombshell all cop a mention. Matty's wild encounter closes it out before the tips roll in.
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Origin 3 REACTION | NSW SHOCKS QLD, TRY CONTROVERSY ERUPTS & CLEARY STEALS THE SHOW!
NSW pulls off the shock of the series, taking down QLD in the decider at Suncorp. A controversial try sparks fireworks and has fans split down the middle. Cleary steals the spotlight with a performance nobody saw coming.
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0:00-Reaction
<...HUGE CALLS! Teddy Ball or Cleary Ball? | Origin 3 Preview
The Origin III Decider is here — We break down Bostock game plan, whether Nanai should start, and get into some Silly Buggers before kickoff at Suncorp.
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0:00-Hypercondriacs
5:00-Ethan Strange
10:00-Jack Bostock
13:00-Jeremiah Nanai
...
The Grand Jester, Matty's PNG Reaction & No Man's Land
Who is the Grand Jester, plus Matty's raw reaction after returning to PNG for the first time in 20 years. The crew also breaks down "No Man's Land" and what it means. Plenty of laughs, catch-ups, and NRL tips to close it out.
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Blues Teamlist REACTION + The $5 Billion Deal That Changes Everything
The Blues team list just dropped and we're reacting live — plus Victor Radley, Joey Walsh and the Wahs all get a mention. The NRL's $5 billion TV rights deal is here and we break down what it actually means for fans, the salary cap, and the run home to finals. Throw in a Luke Brooks injury update and a Peter V'landys wrap to close it out.
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Birds of Paradise
The Family kick things off with an online sex store mishap and a bizarre bird of paradise tangent before diving into Matty's PNG trip and a deep dive on Storm Old Boys. Throw in Byron Bay Origin chaos, a House of the Dragon chat, Dream Team picks and NRL tips, and you've got peak Family Pod energy.
Garlos Pie Competition:
https://garlospies.com.au/championship/
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#90 | Josh Morris | Part 2 | Pranks, Grand Finals & Des Hasler
Welcome to Part 2 | A classic Footy Show prank story before diving back into the twin dynamic and life in Clubland. From there it's a trip down memory lane — Ben Barba's 2012, Jimmy Graham, the 2014 Grand Final and a Greg Inglis tangent — before he breaks down his time at the Dragons, Sharks and Roosters.
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#90 | Josh Morris | Part 1 | State of Origin, Twin Dynamic & Media World
Welcome to Part 1 | Josh Morris joins the boys, covering his South Coast roots and major moments during his incredible career. Talk turns to navigating the media world post-footy, his read on State of Origin, and the twin dynamic with brother Brett.
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The MISSION to Make a Lock the Most Followed Player in the NRL
The Family are back together with Matty returning from Washington, and the pod is packed with big topics — Fight Night, Jai Opetaia, and plenty of Trbojevic Time.
There's chaos in the lifestyle segments with moving house, Chain Letters, and Trish's Game making a return.
Plus, the crew launches a mission to make a lock forward the most followed player in the NRL — and they need your help to make it happen.
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Origin 2 REACTION! | NSW Defensive Collapse, QLD Blueprint & Cobbo Magic!
Game 2 reaction is here — Cooper and Matty break down a wild Origin 2 thriller, from QLD's tactics to NSW's right-edge defensive nightmare. Then Selwyn Cobbo's finger-tip magic steals the show as the moment of the match. Plus: Where's Api?, Cameron Murray's impact, and the "if we're gonna beat em" blueprint for Game 3.
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Washington Calling | UFC at the White House, Origin Game II Preview & Cam Murray to Start?
Matty's been living it up in Washington DC — ringside stories, hanging with Volk, and taking in UFC at the White House.
Back home it's all Origin — the big calls, the bolters, and Cam Murray's last-minute push into the starting side.
Game II is locked and loaded. Who wins? We break it all down.
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The Return of Producer Gav!
Producer Gav makes his triumphant return to the pod, and relive the day the episode died. Matty & Volk have some messages to share from Washington, Plus, Jack's Weekend with Foz & Wayne, the boys give their NRL tips, and it all wraps up with a heartfelt moment from Gav.
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0:00-Producer Gav is Back!
<...#89 | Willie Mason | Part 2 | Reg Reagan, State of Origin & Acting
Welcome to Part 2! Reg Reagan, Greg Bird, and the Cam Murray starter debate all get a run. Wayne Bennett leaps across a room, and the genuine connection in Clubland chat gives insight into NRL Club Culture. Will Forte, The White House, and Party Hardy to close — what a way to finish.
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See...
#89 | Willie Mason | Part 1 | Novocastrians, Bulldogs & Super League War
Willie Mason joins Cooper & Matty to relive the Bulldogs, Hunter Mariners, and the hard men he played alongside. The big man on intensity, sledging, and clubland life with stories on O'Meley, Asatasi and more. Plus Jonny Wilkinson, French rugby, and golf to kick things off.
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Jack & The Einstein of Gerringong
Jack sits down with a local legend to unpack Horse racing,From the origins of Gerringong to the rise of Cooper's Golden Eagles. Plus the Mark Hughes Foundation, Kentucky Fried Foz, and Trish makes a late escape.
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0:00-Jibber
7:00-Kentucky Fried Foz
12:00-Historical Dictator
17:00-Gerringong
25:00-Mark...
#88 | Steve 'Blocker' Roach | Origin Battles, Unwritten Rules & Balmain's Greatest Run
Steve 'Blocker' Roach is one of Rugby League's true characters — a champion Tiger, a State of Origin warrior, and a fan favourite on The Footy Show couch. Blocker sits down for a brilliant yarn covering his playing days, some classic dressing room stories, and the moments that had Australia in stitches every Thursday night.
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...
Beef Week, Gerringong Backfencers & Beyond
Cooper hits the road to Gerringong on a mission to scout new Backfencers, while Matt returns from the chaos of Beef Week with stories to tell. Jack receives a surprise bouquet of flowers, raising more questions than answers. And one family member is absolutely convinced the world is black and white — the debate is very much alive.
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Origin 1 REACTION! Ponga Send Off, NSW Steal It & Will There be CHANGES?
The Blues stormed back to win Origin I after Kalyn Ponga was sent off for a shoulder charge, shifting the momentum entirely in NSW's favour. Sam Walker was outstanding, running the show and proving he belongs at this level. Now all eyes turn to Game II!
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0:00-Inital Reaction
10:00-Break Down
<...Both Coaches Are GAMBLING With Game 1 — State of Origin Preview
With loyalty calls and depth concerns dividing fans, both Billy Slater and Laurie Daley have made selections that could make or break Game 1. We dissect the squads, the style matchups, and the game-breaking talent that could swing the game— and we put our tips on the line.
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0:00-Matty’s Foul
3:30-Winner of t...
Magic Round Hangover: Trish's Stand Up Review & Cooper's Wilful Ignorance
The Johns family regroups after Magic Round at Suncorp — Matty's still not over it, Trish takes the stage, and Cooper doubles down on knowing absolutely nothing. Jack brings his Fun Segment, the dream team gets dissected, and every opinion counts (even the bad ones).
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0:00-Matty’s AI
5:30-Question
12:30-Magic Roun...
Craig Bellamy | Matty's First Ever Podcast!
Blast from the past — Matty’s first ever podcast with legendary Melbourne Storm head coach Craig Bellamy ahead of his 500th NRL game.
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#87 | Jamal Fogarty | The NRL Dream, Manly Resurgence & FOZBALL!
Jamal Fogarty joins the boys to chat the rise of “Fozball” and Manly’s huge resurgence in 2026.
They break down the teams shaping as real finals threats and the pressure around big expectations.
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0:00-Quick Wine to Start
2:30-Youth Work
11:00-QLD Cup
14:30-NRL Dream
23:00-Canberra Vs. Go...
"That’s a Kill Shot...Mum" 👏
The family is back in full chaos as Matty attempts to explain “dogging,” Cooper questions whether he’s adopted, and another all-time Jonah’s dad story unfolds. There’s Mother’s Day chat, Magic Round guests & Matty’s new segment.
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0:00-Welcome
3:00-Intro Question
9:00-Mother’s Day
12:00-Facials & Dogging
21...
EMERGENCY POD: Ivan Cleary to Leave Penrith 2027!
Ivan Cleary shocks the rugby league world by announcing he’ll leave Penrith Panthers after 2027.
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0:00-Ivan News Reaction
13:00-Peter Wallace
16:20-Rep Football
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Origin Teams Locked In? Our Picks, Big Calls & Metcalfe Release News
The boys go head-to-head picking their NSW & QLD Origin teams for Game 1, with a bet on the line for who gets closest. Big selection calls, shock bolters and captain debates throughout. Plus, we react to the Luke Metcalfe release bombshell at the Warriors.
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0:00-Luke Metcalf Bombshell
11:30-State of Origin Teamlist
...
#86 | Gaz & Gayle Return | From Cessnock
Gaz & Gayle are BACK from the family home in Cessnock after their last appearance became one of our biggest episodes ever. With fans demanding more Gaz stories, now opens up for more wild stories and chaos.
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Just a Little Stern Talking To…
Matty immediately causes chaos with bizarre sci-fi debates, stand-up stories and heated family moments. The crew tackle Mother’s Day, film nostalgia, NRL tipping and reveal details for the LIVE SHOW prize contest.
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0:00-Matts Back
5:00-Sci-Fi Character
8:00-Mother Day
15:00-Real Backstage
17:30-Magic Round Stand Up
...Roadtrip to Cessnock
The Boys hit the road for a BCF-powered trip to Cessnock, full of laughs and an attempt to get Matthew up and at 'em early.
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Warriors Handed Massive Edge? Razzman’s Emotional Farewell & Bellamy Tribute
Razzman signs off in emotional style! They dive into the growing PNG expansion talk, what it means for the NRL, and why the Warriors could hold a major advantage. Plus, heartfelt tributes pour in for Craig Bellamy as the boys reflect on one of rugby league’s greatest coaches.
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0:00-Puppy Trap
5:30-R...
Matty’s Had His Back Blown Out!
Matty’s back is blown out, Cooper’s up in the Hunter, and the boys somehow cover everything from Fanland to French kissing Foz. Jake Clifford gets the spotlight, Gaz’s horse enters the chat, Plus basketball feedback, Michael Biopic & NRL tipping.
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0:00-Matty’s Injured
15:30-Player in 60 Secs
17:00-Cooper’s In The H...
Jarome Luai to PNG?! Storm in Freefall – 6 Straight Losses 😳
Jarome Luai to PNG rumours heat up, and what it could mean for Nathan Cleary. The Melbourne Storm hit rock bottom with six straight losses as pressure builds. Plus, preseason talk, best players and Dragons on Anzac Day.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
Jarome Luai linked to PNG move & helping Nathan Cleary? Melbourne Storm slump – 6 losses in a row + Nick Meaney/Craig Bellamy spotlight Craig Bellamy vs Wayne Bennett mentality shift?Subscribe, Watch, and Follow
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