They were one of the only couples to dodge the chaos of Married At First Sight’s explosive Final Challenge – and now Rhi Disljenkovic and Jeff Gobbels are revealing exactly why they refused to play the experts’ ultimate test of loyalty.
In an exclusive chat with Daily Mail Australia, the fan favourites opened up about the moment they decided not to entertain a potential date with a mystery suitor – a decision that, for them, was a no-brainer.
‘Everything I was looking for in a partner and in the experiment – I already had that,’ Jeff gushed. ‘So for me to go on a date with someone I don’t know… it would be the stupidest decision of all time.’
Rhi echoed the sentiment, adding, ‘We had no issues at all. I got exactly what I asked for. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side – it’s green where you water it.’
Despite being one of the most solid pairs on the show, Jeff was momentarily forced to consider a horrifying ‘what if’ scenario when Rhi was left to wonder if he’d taken up the challenge without telling her.
‘There’s always that split second that you think, ‘Oh my gosh, did he do it?’ she said. ‘But I was pretty sure he didn’t. His joke wasn’t that funny though.’
‘I thought it was funny,’ Jeff playfully shot back, sharing a rare moment of on-screen banter that fans have come to adore.
Viewers have dubbed them the ‘only real couple’ of the season – a title they don’t take lightly, but also don’t let define them.
‘We’re just in our lane, in our relationship,’ Jeff said calmly. ‘Obviously we got involved in other people’s [business] when we disagreed with something… but at the end of the day, the show is about your own relationship, and that’s what we focused on.’
Rhi added, ‘There’s no extra pressure now that the show’s aired. We just do us.’
Of course, not everything was smooth sailing.
Rhi found herself embroiled in a simmering feud with co-star Jacqueline ‘Jacqui’ Burfoot, 29, which viewers saw bubble over during several tense moments.
‘The drama with Jacqui didn’t go on as much as it seems,’ Rhi explained.
‘At the start, I mentioned the texting thing, which I thought wasn’t cool – but she really held onto that.’
She revealed that despite the public tension, things between them weren’t always hostile.
Jeff added, ‘After the couple swap where Jacqui stayed with me for a few days, we were on great terms. She even gave us a bottle of wine, chocolates, a nice card – and a face mask! So, it’s a bit strange to see it play out the way it did.’
Jeff, who mostly stayed out of the conflict, admitted it was tough to watch the drama unfold.
‘When you see someone you care about going through that, it’s hard. But all I could do was support her and remind her I had her back.’
What they really thought of Dave and Jamie’s downfall
Speaking on co-stars Dave Thomas, 36, and Jamie Marinos, 28 – whose once promising romance nosedived following the controversial couple swap week – the duo admitted it was difficult to watch.
‘They were such a strong couple from the get-go,’ Rhi said. ‘After the swap, Dave’s energy definitely shifted, and that made Jamie upset – understandably.’
Jeff added, ‘It was surprising how many couples made it to final vows, especially when you see the same ones sitting on the couch every week having drama with no resolution. It’s a bit of a head scratcher.’
Calm in the chaos – what’s their secret?
While most couples on MAFS this season were plagued by constant arguments and backstabbing, Rhi and Jeff somehow managed to stay in their bubble of calm.
‘I think it comes down to listening to understand rather than just trying to be right,’ Jeff explained.
‘Even if we disagreed on something, we really tried to see each other’s point of view.’
Rhi added, ‘We always felt comfortable bringing up any issues because we knew the other person would listen and respond, not just react.’
When did they know it was real?
While the connection was instant, the couple admitted it was during Confessions Week and Intimacy Week that things really took a turn for the serious.
‘That was when our relationship turned a corner,’ Rhi said. ‘We both gave the experiment a real shot – and I’m so glad we did.’
So, have they been engagement ring shopping yet?
Jeff cheekily dodged the question, laughing, ‘You don’t know how the relationship ends yet. You gotta watch the show, mate!’
But judging by their undeniable chemistry, mutual respect, and rock-solid bond, fans wouldn’t be surprised if a ring – and maybe even a real-life wedding – is just around the corner.
Until then, Rhi and Jeff are happy to keep things real, low-key, and drama-free.