Shannon Mato, a standout prop forward for the Brisbane Broncos in the NRLW, has shared a candid account of her mental health struggles upon discovering her pregnancy with son Charnze. Despite a positive test, she pushed through denial and competed in two key matches early last year.
Playing Through Denial
Mato revealed she was deeply depressed and engaging in unhealthy behaviors when she learned of her pregnancy. ‘I was very in denial of my pregnancy,’ she stated. ‘I said to myself, “I’m going to play these last two games because I’m not sure that I want this baby.”‘
The 27-year-old New Zealand-born athlete shone for the Maori All Stars and the Jillaroos, even scoring a try against England during the NRL season opener in Las Vegas.
Mental Health Battles and Relationship Strain
At the time, Mato’s relationship with partner Ropati was strained, amplifying her challenges. ‘I went to Vegas and that’s when it hit me,’ she explained. ‘I was really depressed and doing things I shouldn’t have been doing. And that’s the honest truth. I was selfish at the time for a lot of reasons, because I didn’t know how to handle it. And I’ve got no one else to blame but myself. I feel like I had no guidance.’
Playing for the Gold Coast Titans then, Mato did not inform the club directly; rumors spread via word of mouth, sparking upheaval. Her partner pledged support amid his own mental health issues, but she struggled to trust it. ‘I felt like we couldn’t depend on anyone, like I had no support … I felt like I had no one who could understand.’
A Turning Point with Charnze’s Birth
Charnze arrived on October 6 last year, marking a profound shift. ‘It was the big answer I needed,’ Mato said. The experience healed deep wounds. ‘I let myself down in areas where I would drink and make choices that didn’t align with my values. I was an unhealed person, but my son really healed me in areas that I didn’t think I was able to be healed in.’
Today, she embraces growth: ‘I’m proud of the person I am today and I’m here for my kids, that’s what matters. Now I think, “What was I so scared of?” It’s the best thing ever. I’m not embarrassed of my life choices, I think everything happens for a reason and no one is perfect.’
Public Facade and Remarkable Recovery
Mato concealed her turmoil during her April pregnancy announcement on Instagram, sharing an ultrasound with the caption: ‘My heart grew when I found out about you. Twice the love – twice the joy.’ Weeks earlier, Vegas posts read ‘Vegas you were amazing,’ masking her inner battle.
Charnze’s birth post captured joy: ‘We prayed for you. We dreamed of you. And now you’re here – more perfect than we ever imagined. I love you my son.’
Her transformation positions her for potential Queensland State of Origin selection. ‘It’s all working out the way it’s supposed to and if not, I’m just grateful for my opportunities,’ she affirmed.
