Former NRL star Matt Cooper, once celebrated as rugby league’s ‘sexiest man,’ is embarking on a new quest for love on the upcoming season of Channel Seven’s Aussie First Dates. The ex-St George Illawarra Dragons player, who also represented New South Wales and Australia, is opening up about his life post-divorce and his hopes for finding a meaningful connection.
A Rocky Start to Romance
Early glimpses of Cooper’s television dating experience suggest the path to romance may be fraught with initial awkwardness. Promotional clips reveal a fumbled greeting where Cooper’s attempt at a cheek kiss with his blind date goes awry, leading to a moment of shared, nervous laughter. “That wasn’t awkward, sorry,” his date remarked, attempting to smooth over the uncomfortable exchange.
Further complicating the initial encounter, a restaurant bartender recognizes Cooper and reveals his past accolades to his date. “Were you?” she asks in surprise upon learning of his ‘Sexiest Man of League’ titles. Cooper confirms he received the distinction twice, prompting a lighthearted reaction. The bartender’s subsequent suggestion of taking a photo of the pair, however, is met with a less enthusiastic, silent stare from both Cooper and his date, indicating a slight discomfort with the intrusion.
Reflections on Life and Love After Marriage
The 47-year-old athlete, who retired from professional rugby league in 2013, candidly discusses re-entering the dating scene after a marriage of over two decades. “I was with my wife for 21 years,” Cooper shared. “It has been good being single for a bit over two years now, but I think everyone needs someone, you know, in their life. That’s a cool feeling, you know?”
Cooper, who has two daughters with his former wife, expressed a deep desire to be valued for his personal identity rather than his public persona. His primary hope is to find someone who loves him as “just the dad.” He articulated concerns about potential partners’ true intentions, stating, “The reason I’m single at the moment is because I feel like I don’t know what the girl’s intentions are. Are they in the relationship because they actually like me as a person? Not Matt Cooper the footy player, not Matt Cooper the person who has been on TV – you know, Matt Cooper, just the dad.”
Priorities for a New Partner
Honesty stands out as Cooper’s paramount requirement in a future partner. He elaborated on his ideal companion: “So what I am looking for in a partner would be someone who is honest, is themselves, don’t put on a persona just because you sit next to me.” He also shared his aesthetic preferences, noting, “I like brunettes, nice eyes, pretty face.”
A Decorated Career and Beyond
Cooper’s rugby league career was marked by significant achievements, including a premiership win with the Dragons in 2010. He earned 13 caps for New South Wales in the State of Origin series and represented Australia in seven Test matches. Following his retirement from the NRL, Cooper has explored various avenues, including dabbling in combat sports and appearing on several reality television programs such as Dancing With the Stars, Celebrity Apprentice, and Big Brother VIP.
His television appearances are not new, but this foray into dating reality television marks a significant personal step. The separation from his wife, Dallas, after more than 20 years together, was amicable, and they continue to co-parent their two daughters. Cooper’s past comments reveal a desire to be recognized for his sporting achievements over his modeling status, particularly regarding the ‘sexiest man’ titles he received early and later in his career. “I don’t want to be known for all this modelling stuff,” he stated in a 2009 interview. “I want to be known for my footy.” His appearance on Aussie First Dates signifies a hope for a genuine second chance at finding lasting love.
Cooper’s distinctive new look, featuring a shaved undercut with a long, braided ponytail, has also garnered attention, giving him a striking, almost Viking-inspired appearance. This transformation, coupled with his candid discussions about his personal life, sets the stage for his journey on the show as he navigates the complexities of modern dating.
