Matt Cooper, a two-time recipient of the NRL's 'sexiest man' title, did not find love on the latest season of Channel Seven's "First Dates." His date with Sheree began with an awkward moment when she pulled away slightly from a cheek kiss, and the connection struggled to develop from there.
Adding an unexpected twist to the evening, the date was frequently interrupted by a waiter who recognized Cooper and was clearly a fan. The waiter's enthusiasm for the former NSW and Kangaroos star was evident from Cooper's arrival, when the waiter excitedly pointed him out to colleagues. During the dinner, the waiter engaged Cooper in conversation, even showing off Cooper's Premiership winners ring and asking Sheree if she was a Dragons supporter.
Cooper acknowledged the waiter's presence, referring to him as the "date crasher" in a lighthearted manner. Despite the interruptions, Sheree noted that Cooper's humility was appreciated, especially given his successful football career. The waiter's interactions seemed to impress her, as she joked that he "had a man crush" on Cooper.
At the conclusion of the date, the waiter asked for a photograph with Cooper, which was taken by Sheree. Although Cooper and Sheree had a pleasant conversation and enjoyed each other's company, they ultimately decided not to pursue a second date, citing a lack of romantic chemistry between them.
Cooper, who has previously spoken about wanting someone to love him for being "just the dad," had hoped the show would provide a second chance at love after more than two decades with his former wife. However, he concluded that the waiter "had all the chemistry" and had essentially stolen it from their date. Sheree agreed with this assessment as they parted ways amicably.