NRL 2021: Matty Johns’ fears after facing health news

The great Matthew Johns of rugby league talked about a recent diagnosis that made him think about his untimely death.

The popular player-turned-TV star revealed on Friday that he received some amazing news during a recent check-up with a heart specialist.

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The Newcastle Knights legend has slimmed down noticeably in recent months and said confronting health news sparked his transformation.

The 50-year-old said an appointment with a cardiologist revealed his cholesterol was 7.4mmol per litre, well above the 5mmol per liter range recommended by health authorities.

“I started having morbid thoughts about mortality when I was 7.4 years old,” he said on his SEN Sydney radio show on Friday.

“I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to die.’ When you get to 50, it’s going to happen sooner or later.”

Johns, who helped Newcastle win the ARL premiership in 1997, said he had reached 93kg this year before the wake-up call.

At the height of his playing days, Johns weighed around 89 kg, but with much more muscle mass.

“I’m in love with my cardiologist because I went and saw him yesterday. I went and saw him 12 months ago and my cholesterol was 7.4 million,” Johns said.

“I got to 93kg and then with the post with Sammy and the boys we all did.

“And then I look at the fact that I don’t get into too much ‘gravy’ and now I’m down to 3.4. Thank you very much.”

Matty Johns weight loss after cholesterol diagnosis

Johns said his weight loss was largely the result of intermittent fasting, which involves several days a week of long periods without food.

Johns played 176 games for the Knights from 1992 to 2000, playing innings alongside brother and immortal Andrew.

He then spent a season each with Wigan Warriors and Cronulla Sharks before retiring at the end of 2002.

Johns also played four State of Origin matches for NSW and nine Test matches for Australia before carving out a successful career in the media.

In addition to his radio show, Johns has a successful podcast and is the host of his own TV show on Fox League.

He became a fan favorite on Channel Nine’s Footy Show before defecting to Foxtel.

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