Matt Cooper: Betrayal, Addiction & the Night That Changed Everything

A broken promise. A private battle with painkillers. A night that changed everything. This week on The Reset with Joe Marroun, Matt Cooper opens up about the story behind the footy career — from winning the 2010 premiership with the St George Illawarra Dragons to the darkest chapter of his life after retirement. Matt shares his account of a promised full-time role that never materialised, the depression that followed, and how prescription painkillers became an addiction. In an emotional moment, he recalls the night he feared he wouldn’t wake up, sitting beside his daughter’s bed, and the decision to enter rehab the next morning. But his story doesn’t end there. Matt reflects on eight years free from the painkillers that once controlled his life, rebuilding his sense of purpose, and what returning to the Dragons means to him. In this episode: • The 2010 premiership and his loyalty to the Red V • The retirement promise Matt says was broken • Depression and prescription painkiller addiction • Fatherhood and the turning point that led him to rehab • Breaking the stigma surrounding recovery • Coming home to the Dragons An honest conversation about loyalty, fatherhood, recovery and life beyond rugby league. Subscribe to The Reset with Joe Marroun for more honest conversations, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear Matt’s story. Content note: This episode discusses addiction, depression and fear of overdose. #MattCooper #JoeMarroun #NRL #Dragons #MentalHealth #Recovery