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  • A Father's Son

  • Family, Football and Forgiveness
  • By: Mat Rogers
  • Narrated by: Mat Rogers
  • Length: 7 hrs and 16 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (72 ratings)

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A Father's Son

By: Mat Rogers
Narrated by: Mat Rogers
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Publisher's Summary

'A book about humanity as much as sport. It’s like sitting at the kitchen table with your best mate and he’s pouring his heart out–about his life, his loss, his triumphs and his faults … and the love that got him through. Honest, generous, and most of all, courageous.' Markus Zusak, bestselling author of The Book Thief

Mat Rogers is an Aussie footy legend and TV star who has triumphed over hardship, loss and heartache. He is finally ready to share his powerful life story.

He is one of the most talented footballers of the modern era and a dual international in rugby league and rugby union. But for a long time, Mat Rogers lived in both the shadow and the thrall of his famous father, and their complex relationship shaped him in ways he couldn’t fathom. Craving paternal acceptance while determined to carve out his own identity and, later, to avoid repeating the sins of the father, he veered between periods of jubilation and depression, fulfillment and despair. Now, in his majestic, evocative autobiography, Rogers tells the story of a life framed by triumph and tragedy, a life in which, ultimately, he finds purpose and contentment in a harsh world.

With its cracking pace and unvarnished frankness, A Father’s Son will be widely heard and difficult to forget. Though by and about a celebrated footballer, it is so much more than another athlete’s memoirs. In spare, vivid prose, Rogers reveals how his teenage years were marked by periods of rebellion and self-destructive behavior. Then, at age 20, he became a father to son Jack before he had finished his own journey into adulthood. By 22, he was married to first wife Michelle with another child, daughter Skyla, following shortly after. As well as discussing the experience of having a family while still a young man, Rogers also recounts the challenges that have defined his life off the sports field—the impact of losing both his parents in tragic circumstances and the experimental neck surgery he underwent in 2007, ending years of debilitating pain.

Rogers’ story is one of a man who rises to the difficulties life sends his way. The discovery that his son Max is autistic prompted him and second wife Chloe to co-found charity 4 ASD Kids—and he talks passionately about the work he has done to raise awareness of a subject so close to home. That fighting spirit introduced Rogers to an even greater number of Australians who watched the sporting legend thrive on Australian Survivor. Across two memorable appearances on the reality TV series, he impressed viewers with his ability to combine his competitive spirit with his desire to play with heart. That duality, which defines Rogers' life, shines through in A Father’s Son.

'I couldn’t put this down. Mat shares his story with so much honesty and openness. I was overcome with emotion and such deep respect for Mat and the person, father and role model that he is.' Sally Obermeder, author and presenter

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Mat Rogers (P)2021 Simon & Schuster Australia

What listeners say about A Father's Son

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Good Listen

Really enjoyed this story, great book, well done. Would recommend for the league fans

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What a story!

Wow! A fantastic insight into the life of an elite sportsman.
What Matt had to endure to live out his passion to play football both league and football were tremendous and the injuries were intense.
What a well constructed retelling of a life well lived (to this point). Many thanks for sharing.

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Brutally honest

A great story, well narrated and brutally honest account of personal and sporting life. Thanks Mat.

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Inspired to be a better man

Loved hearing Mat tell his story. Plenty of twists and turns that life throws at you and Mat’s journey is no different. All men should hear his story.

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Insightful and transparent

Everyone has a story and behind the sports star is a human who achieved so much and experienced life’s ups and downs. It was fascinating getting to know the Matt Rogers behind the headlines, the struggles, the victories and the passion - I loved it!

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Great read

Thanks for Sharing Matt. Compelling read from start to finish. From all the ups and downs of life, Matt shows, common decency and the will to always move forward, brings ultimate happiness.

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Inspirational! Loved it!

Couldn’t put it down. I wish all autobiographies of sport retirees were as good as this.

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An amazing biography

A well written book and spoken with honesty and emotion by Matt Rogers, great read

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5 stars plus

I found this to be a fantastic story, full of facts I didn’t know about Matt’s life that he could of easily kept to himself, and who better to narrate the book than the man himself.

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Engaging at every stage

If you have any knowledge of or connection to Mat Rogers at any stage of his life you will almost certainly be engaged with every stage of his life. Shared with humility, authenticity, heart and style. An absolute must for any Cronulla Sharks fan.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.