Ryan Moloney Embraces Extreme Challenges on SAS: AUS v ENG
In everyday life, most people face common hurdles like paying bills or dealing with difficult bosses, but few ever encounter the extreme demands of jumping from a plane, escaping a flooding tunnel, or dragging a body over rough terrain. For many, such experiences are best avoided, but actor and farmer Ryan Moloney saw them as a unique opportunity.
"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," Moloney enthused about his participation in the TV show SAS: AUS v ENG. "When else are you going to get this chance to be placed in that environment with people who genuinely want to see you excel and discover your limits? It was an absolutely phenomenal experience."
From Soap Star to Reality TV Contestant
Best known for his long-running role as Toadfish on the soap opera Neighbours, Moloney eagerly accepted the invitation to push his physical and mental boundaries on the latest series of SAS: AUS v ENG. This reality TV program tests celebrities to determine if they have what it takes to endure the rigors of SAS soldier life.
In this season, Australian celebrities compete against their UK counterparts. The Australian team features Olympic gold medalists Mack Horton and Emily Seebohm, cricketer Brad Hodge, actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte, actor Axle Whitehead, and reality TV star Jessika Power. From the outset, Moloney emerged as a standout contestant, diving headfirst into challenges and openly discussing his mental health struggles with the commandos.
Discovering the 'Why' and Hidden Health Issues
"One of the key aspects of real SAS selection is understanding your 'why'—why you are doing this," Moloney explained. "For me, I didn't initially know, but I believed that giving 100 percent would help me find out." He embraced the extreme challenges, but the physical toll was more severe than he realized.
Despite thorough training, Moloney struggled from day one, particularly with breathing difficulties. After filming concluded, he discovered he had a large hernia that was compressing his left lung and affecting his vagus nerve. "The vagus nerve controls many emotions and runs from the stomach to the brain," he noted. "I experienced uncontrollable emotional episodes and felt like I was losing my mind. It turned out I was quite sick."
Reframing the Experience and Future Health
This health revelation caused Moloney to reassess his time on the show. He recalled a specific evacuation challenge where he had to carry a soldier with British contestant Gabby Allen, who performed impressively while he struggled. "I felt remarkably weak and thought, 'What the hell is going on here?'" he said.
Now focused on recovering his health, Moloney expressed frustration that his illness prevented him from reaching his full potential. "I feel a bit ripped off; I didn't get the chance to have a real good crack at it," he admitted. This determination highlights the intense focus he brought to the competition, a trait his wife recognized from his hyper-fixated nature in daily life.
SAS: AUS v ENG premiered at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, April 29, on Seven and 7plus, offering viewers a glimpse into Moloney's transformative journey from soap star to reality TV challenger.
