Ben Cousins: One of Australia’s biggest and most controversial sports stars makes unexpected appearance with footy legend at State of Origin – can you spot him?

Millions of Channel Nine viewers enjoyed watching NRL legend Andrew Johns enter NSW’s winning dressing room on Wednesday night, but it’s unlikely anyone noticed the Australian sports star walking right behind him.

Johns is known for taking football fans inside the stadium after matches as a commentator for the channel. However, the star in question is not exactly known for his love of rugby league, which makes his appearance all the more surprising.

However, he is known as an AFL premiership star, Brownlow Medal winner and one of the greatest Aussie Rules players of all time – before falling prey to drug addiction and several run-ins with the law, which led to him being jailed before he conquered his demons and started a career in television. Below is his brief appearance at this week’s Origin match.

Still no idea? The man in question is none other than Ben Cousins, who can be seen briefly on the left of the screen as Johns prepares to walk through the locker room door.

It appears the former West Coast and Richmond star is awaiting his turn to enter the NSW sheds, where Johns quickly discovered the team singing a beer-fuelled victory song following their classic 14-4 win over Queensland.

Cousins ​​has had a great 2024 so far, after turning his life around in recent years. He looks healthy, clean and sober, and has taken a new job as a television news presenter in his hometown of Perth.

He also appears on Seven’s Dancing with the Stars, where he teams up with dance partner Siobhan Power.

The controversial former West Coast Eagles star is now building a career on TV as he appears on Dancing With The Stars (pictured)

After retiring in 2010, the 2006 flag winner is eligible for induction into the AFL Hall of Fame, but he was somewhat philosophical in May when it was announced he would not be inducted.

While he undoubtedly has the makings of the competition’s top honor, his well-documented battles with drink, drugs and his criminal past have thus far held him back.

This also includes a conviction for stalking his ex-partner, for which he was sentenced to seven months in prison in 2020.

“I never really think about this,” he said of the setback.

“It’s an honor that…it’s hard to come by…There have been so many great players over the years, I wouldn’t envy the task of fielding a limited number of players each year.

‘I completely understand their decision.

‘I, like everyone else, will be sitting there looking forward to this year’s victory.

‘That’s just the way it is.’