Australian Survivor 2018: meet the cast

On Wednesday TEN launches Australian Survivor: Champions v Contenders.

Jonathan LaPaglia returns as host, in Savusavu Fiji. This season sees 24 contestants across a 50 day battle chasing a $500,000 prize and title of  Sole Survivor.

Amongst the recognisable faces are Steve “Commando” Willis, swimmer Shane Gould, aerial skier Lydia Lassila, footballer Mat Rogers, Miss Universe Australia Monika Radulovic and US Survivor villain Russell Hantz.

Here are excerpts from their biographies:

The Champions:

Brian, 36 VIC: Former AFL Legend.
An AFL legend, Brian played with the Western Bulldogs for 10 years before moving to Hawthorn where he won three premierships and the Norm Smith medal. Known for his size and strength, Brian was often referred to as a ‘defensive monster,’ but only time will tell if his skills come in handy in his new role as a Survivor castaway. “Survivor is a whole new world for me and I’m still in shock this is happening. I’m very excited to get out there though and give it a definite go!”

Damien, 36 NSW: Ex Special Forces Commando.
If there has ever been anyone able to be labelled a Survivor, it’s Damien. A former commando in the army, he is now an athlete and best-selling author. When Damien joined the Australian Defence Force at just 24, he qualified as an elite commando and fought in Afghanistan. In 2009, his vehicle drove over an improvised explosive planted by the Taliban, resulting in an explosion that saw Damien lose both of his legs and other extensive damage to his body. “I now get around on two special prosthetic legs but the recovery from the injury was very hard. I’m stubborn and tough but it has made me refocus on what I want to do with my life. My life post-injury is one of constant focus on my physical and mental health.”

Jackie, 44 VIC: World Series Poker Player.
There are some professions that can make castaways nervous and being a poker player is definitely one of them. Which is why World Series Poker player, Jackie is going in with some tricks up her sleeve. “I am keeping my cards close to my chest as they say. I won’t be telling them that I’ve won multiple poker tournaments and travel the world playing the game. I’m going to go into this game pretending to be one of Australia’s top female speedcubers.” A Survivor fan, Jackie has admired the players and the game for many years but missing out on her creature comforts like coffee and a comfortable bed has kept her away. “I have always watched Survivor and while I have loved the game play and strategies, I never applied. I never thought I’d be able to live without my basic amenities but here I am.

Lydia, 36 VIC: Olympic Freestyle Skier.
A mum of two, a five-time Winter Olympic aerial skier, entrepreneur and now Australian Survivor castaway. There’s not much Lydia can’t handle. “I think Survivor is a once in a lifetime experience and definitely a challenge. Just because I’m classified as a Champion, doesn’t mean it’s going to be an easy ride for me. I’m looking for new challenges that will push me beyond my comfort zone and I think doing this will definitely be that!” A gold medallist who competed in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympic Games, Lydia has been awarded for many accolades including the prestigious “The Don” award by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. In 2006, Lydia’s knee collapsed on impact after she attempted to land a difficult jump, forcing her to withdraw. Just 16 months later, Lydia made her comeback at the World Cup competition winning silver in her first event.

Mat, 42 QLD: Dual Code Football Legend.
Representing Australia in both Rugby League and Rugby Union, Mat has an almost unparalleled sporting history. Son to a former Australian Rugby League Captain, it seemed inevitable that Mat would follow in his famous father’s footsteps. In his career as a professional Rugby League footballer for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Mat surpassed his father’s record as the greatest point scorer in the club’s history. “Rugby was a huge part of my life, not just League but also playing Union, and set me up with some good skills that I think will help me with Survivor. Discipline, competitiveness and
a sometimes stubborn drive to win.”

Moana, 30 VIC: WAFL Player.
A celebrated and powerhouse player for Women’s Aussie Rules Football, Moana made a name for herself on the field as one of the leading goal kickers for Collingwood Football Club. Now signed onto a new home at North Melbourne Kangaroos, Moana has been one of the country’s most exciting female footballers since she was 16. With the encouragement of her father, Moana turned to football as an outlet to help her get through difficult teen years. “When I was three, my Dad gave me a footy and I didn’t let it go from that point. He is one of my biggest motivations in life and in football.” One of 14 kids, Moana’s family means everything to her. She is the primary carer for her younger sister, Lavinia, who suffers from Moebius Syndrome, a rare neurological condition.

Monika, 27 NSW: Miss Universe Australia 2015.
Monika may be one of Australia’s most beautiful models but she’s very keen to prove there’s more to her than how she looks. Crowned Miss Australia in 2015 and third in Miss Universe, Monika also studied psychology at University and is planning to use that to her advantage saying, “People probably think I’d just be a beauty because of what I do, but I have brains too and I can’t wait to show everyone!” Recently married and heading to Survivor as a newlywed, Monika thinks the hardest part for her will be missing her family. She is extremely close to her parents who fled Bosnia when she was one. “My parents made the decision to flee the country due to the outbreak of war, leaving all our extended family behind. They are so brave and I think their resilience and positive outlook on life will help me through the tough times on the island.”

Russell, 45, USA: Survivor USA Player.
Regarded by super fans everywhere as Survivor’s greatest villain, Russell is one of the most notorious characters in the US show’s history. Considered to be one of the most influential contestants of all time, Russell is ready to take a crack at his Aussie counterparts, making it the fourth time he has played the game. Famous for his stints on Survivor Samoa, Heroes vs Villains and Redemption Island, Russell has made it to the end but never won the title of sole survivor. “I have no choice in this. I have to win. I have to prove to everyone that I can do it and I have to prove to myself that I am as good as people say I am.” Russell is one of only five contestants to be inducted into the Survivor Hall of Fame in 2010 and he is also one of the only competitors to ever make it to the finals in more than one season.

Samuel, 26, QLD: Astrophysicist.
Proving that brawn is not the only way onto the Champions tribe, Sam’s outstanding intellectual accomplishments will have him ahead of the game. A boy genius, Sam is a top astrophysicist and a robotics and software engineer who knows 14 programming languages. He’s also an astronomer and has won the Bok Prize, the most prestigious award for masters students who have impressed the Astronomical Society of Australia. Sam is currently completing his Doctorate of Philosophy and has had 16 academic works published. He’s been invited to universities around the world to lecture and has been impressing professional industry leaders at each destination. “Naïve statistics say it’s unlikely that I will win but I’m going to try! Stranger things have happened before and it would be pretty cool for a smart nerdy kid to take out the prize.”

Shane, 61, TAS: Olympic Swimming Legend.
An Australian legend in the swimming pool and the eldest competitor in Australian Survivor, Shane is sporting royalty and one of the world’s greatest female swimmers. Between 1971 and 1973, she broke 11 world records in six different events. In the 1972 Olympics, Shane was, and still is, the only woman ever to win five individual medals: three gold in total, all in world record times, plus a silver and a bronze. In 1972, Shane held every Freestyle World Record: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and also the 200 individual medley, an achievement which has never been matched. “I’m not one to be proud of myself. I think being proud is a fashionable self-serving idea. I prefer to think about satisfying moments and those aren’t necessarily my sporting accomplishments. Parenting four children to be independent adults. Learning how to train my horses. Those are moments I cherish.”

Sharn, 41, VIC: Criminal Barrister
If anyone can claim to be ready to address their tribemates in the final Jury, it would be
Criminal Barrister Sharn. Her daily life sees her addressing juries in criminal trials and is known in her industry as being one of the best. As one of the top female prosecutors in the country, Sharn can’t wait to get in front of the Survivor Jury. “I think the skills I have developed in my professional life will translate well in this environment. I would be obviously thrilled to get to the Jury and address my fellow tribemates because I really think that’s where I’ll shine. Proving my case is what I do every day.” A mum of four children under the age of 14, Sharn also fundraises for various charities by running marathons. In the past eight years, she has run the Noosa Triathlon and raised over $50k in doing so. Not one to sit idly, Sharn is up at 4am most mornings running, cycling or doing pilates before getting her kids ready for school.

Steve, 41, NSW: Fitness Specialist.
Known allover Australia as the ‘Commando,’ Steve is one of the country’s most recognised and respected fitness experts. For six consecutive years, he was a key trainer on TEN’s family entertainment program The Biggest Loser. In 2014, he recruited a team of experts and launched an online program, Get Commando Fit. He runs a successful health and fitness business, training clients at his Commando Camps and educates on healthy living. Steve has four kids, including one with his current partner, fellow television personality and fitness trainer Michelle Bridges. While he may be a tough guy, living without his family will test Steve’s willpower. “I love my family more than anything. Leaving them is going to be the hardest part of this whole experience for sure. I believe I can handle the game, I can handle the physical challenges and I think I’ll get along with everyone as well but not having contact with my family is going to be very, very tough.”

The Contenders:

Anita, 50 QLD: Sales Rep.
Fast talking. Non-stop. Loud. These are a few things Anita has been called in her life and while they are all definitely true, she wants to be known for something else. “I have a bucket list and Survivor is on it! I could be the first Australian 50-year-old woman to win. I want to prove to myself, my family and my friends that anything is possible and to give all opportunities a go.” A Survivor super fan, Anita has been in training to show the younger generation that she can keep up not only mentally but physically as well. Going to the gym, doing pilates, step classes not to mention taking part in marathons and events like Tough Mudder.

Benji, 26 VIC: Entrepreneur.
Even though Benji refers to himself as the happiest person you will ever meet, he plans to
be anything but a pushover on Survivor. “I want to be a heroic villain. There is no likeable hero who can coast all the way to the end and win with loyalty and mateship. In order to win, you need to play a strategic game. “I am going to be extremely likeable and perform well in challenges for my tribe but hidden behind my high performance and fun, goofy exterior will be some very villainous moves. The best way to ensure you are safe is to cause chaos in another section of camp. Just because I will do anything to achieve that won’t necessarily make me a heartless villain, I will just be a great game player.” Highly intelligent and competitive, Benji says he is a self-made millionaire working in some of the biggest places in the world from New York to Brazil. One to take chances, he moved to Brazil on a one-way flight and found out quickly that he needed to make some money.

Fenella, 33 VIC: Interior Designer.
The last of five children, Fenella learnt early that personality is everything. A character through and through, she is going to do whatever it takes to stay in the game and show the champions that a contender can take it out. “I’m not scared facing off against the champions, I know I can do it. I’m quite unassuming and nobody would think I’m fit but I am. Mentally, I know how to work people from years of working in retail. I know how to lie to your face thanks to going to a private girls’ school. I can manipulate from being the youngest child. I’m also fiercely competitive and stubborn. I
feel like I was born to play this game!”

Heath, 33 QLD: Builder.
At 7-foot-tall, Heath is the ultimate gentle giant. A proud husband and father to two girls, Heath works hard to ensure people’s perceptions of him aren’t accurate saying, “Being 7 feet tall and tattooed, I stand out in a crowd. People see me as a threat physically because I’m athletic and have a height advantage. I want to play the game right and am always conscious of not being threatening.”
Growing up, Heath spent his time outdoors playing different sports, riding bikes and going on camping trips. Playing NRL as a teenager, Heath would have to bring his passport to prove he was the same age as the kids he was playing with. “People often stare and make comments about my size. I hit my head on just about everything but I can do a lot of things others can’t do.”

Jenna, 28 WA: FIFO Worker.
Adversity has only driven Jenna to try harder and when she plays for the title of sole survivor, she won’t just be doing it for herself, but also for her two-year-old daughter. A fighter in every sense, Jenna believes the challenges she faced when she came out as gay, only made her stronger and better able to deal with challenges. Now, she finds any tough time she faces she can take it on. “My family accepts me for who I am and supports me for who I truly am. I live a drama free life and I like it that way. I pride myself on being honest and upfront but I’m also very competitive and hate losing.”
An experienced NFL and AFL player, Jenna is a typical outdoors girl tearing around the bush on her motorbike or wakeboarding.

Matt, 35 QLD: Traffic Police Officer.
Matthew has seen enough episodes of Survivor to know that being honest is not always the way to win. So he is going to do his best to keep secret the fact his occupation back in Brisbane is a policeman. “People will either love me or hate me, there won’t be a middle. I feel I’ll probably be perceived as a villain but I think once I make the final two, people will realise I just stood up for myself the entire way and didn’t let anyone get the better of me. “I want to prove to myself I have the ability to outwit people. I’ve always believed I am one step ahead of people when coming up with a plan to win and Survivor will be the best place to find out how good I really am.”

Paige, 24 SA: Marketing Coordinator.
A huge fan of Survivor, Paige believes her career in Marketing has provided her with the skills of discipline, attention to detail and a strong and passionate drive which will play out on the island.
“I am an absolute Survivor lover. I grew up watching Jeff and thinking that the people on Survivor were warriors! They seemed so strong and powerful and I know I can be that. I can be a warrior. It’s always been a dream of mine and I know I have all the skills to be on it and I want to put that to the test.” Her boyfriend Daniel is her biggest supporter and is thrilled she made the cut saying, “He
couldn’t be more excited. He definitely thinks it would be amazing but mostly he just wants me to stop talking about it all the time.”

Robbie, 26 SA: Construction Manager.
Competitive and calculated, Rob is a construction manager who is planning to be a challenge winner for his tribe. “I want to be the guy they need. I can win challenges for them, I can provide for them. I think I can use my charm and trusting character to get people to follow my decisions and my
athletic ability to keep me safe for a while. “I know most people don’t win by standing out so I think I can play the system and downplay myself to be seen as strong but not threatening.” Coming from a tight family, Rob has nothing but respect for his parents who migrated from Poland when they were younger. He admits his Dad is very tough but taught him about good work ethics and not to give up. While his Mum is “the ying to my Dad’s yang,” taking him to his swimming lessons, up to 11 times a week, to encourage Rob’s talent and helping him to become a national swimmer.

Shonee, 26 QLD: Pro-skater’s Wife.
From partying with The Rolling Stones to holidays in Paris, Shonee is not the typical Survivor
player. Married to a famous pro-skater, Shonee spends her life between London and Noosa where she is an HR assistant. With her husband Ben’s success as a skater, Shonee is very keen to step out of his shadow and show the world what she’s got. “My husband’s achievements are endless so this is my chance to shine and do something super cool for myself and contribute to our lives. I may just be a wife but I 100% believe I can outwit, outplay and outlast anyone you put me up against. “My life doesn’t allow me to have a traditional job so this is my chance to do something amazing and really shine! People are constantly talking to me about my husband’s achievements, I want them to speak about mine.”

Steve, 58 NSW: Take Away Delivery Rider.
One of the biggest characters to hit the island, Steve lives by the motto, ‘comfort is a
wonderful place to be in, but you never grow there.’ He lives a diverse life and has had a varied career as a successful sustainability consultant but has since taken a break from his career and is now working as a takeaway delivery rider because he enjoys the look on people’s faces when their food is delivered. Born in China, growing up in Indonesia and moving to Australia at nine, Steve loves the great outdoors and does everything from remote bushwalking to rock climbing to canyoning and sailing. “I am stimulated by everything. I enjoy playing board games and cooking, I dig salsa dancing, going to concerts and getting involved in intellectual debates such as politics, the environment, social justice and diversity.”

Tegan, 32, WA: Management Consultant.
A country girl from WA, Tegan is confident and outspoken and as she calls it, “a little rough
around the edges.” Married with two small children, Tegan has been a fan of Survivor for a long time and always wanted to apply but couldn’t find the right time to do it. “I have been talking about applying for quite some time however we have been busy having babies so it was never right. My husband thinks applying is a great idea because he knows that I am capable of it. And I’ve had to teach him everything he knows about the bush and practical living! “I often get told there isn’t really anyone like me. I’ve had a very unique upbringing and find that I get along with most people. I’ve had to deal with a lot of stereotyping over my life and I always try and break the mould.”

Zach, 39, WA: Personal Trainer.
Now working as a personal trainer, Zach first came to the attention of Australia as Hunter on
the family entertainment television show, Gladiators. Zach hopes his fellow castaways will think he’s all brawn and no brain giving him an inside edge to win the title of sole survivor. “I’m a huge fan of the show, just like I was of Gladiators. All I wanted to be was a Gladiator. Did that. Now all I want to do is be a Survivor. As a hyper competitive individual, I relish the challenge and it’s the bragging rights of being Australia’s lone survivor. I love to compete and this game is the pinnacle. “I am constantly being asked to try out for shows like this but I’ve never been interested except for Survivor. I’m going to be doing it for my family, friends and fans.”

Begins 7:30pm Wednesday on TEN.