Matty Johns is one of Australia’s best known and most beloved sportsmen. Growing up in a small town with a passion for rugby league, his decade-long NRL career opened the door to a successful media career following appearances on Channel 9's The Footy Show.

But as Matty admits to Ant in this episode, success didn’t come easily. Growing up in a small rural town, he almost followed his father down the coal mine. But after setting his sights on a footy career, a sibling rivalry with brother Andrew, and the mistrust he placed in his own talent helped fuel his determination and winning mindset.

LINKS

• Check out the 'Backstage with Cooper & Matty Johns' podcast
• Listen to the 'Matty & Cronk' podcast
• Catch Matty Johns on Fox Sports
• Listen to Ant Middleton's appearance on 'Backstage with Cooper & Matty Johns'
• Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook
• Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com
• Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial.

CREDITS

Host: Ant Middleton
Editor: Adrian Walton
Executive Producer: Damien Haffenden 
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.