Molan a winner in Nine revamp
ERIN Molan will survive as host of Nine’s Sunday Footy Show and play a new role with Wide World of Sports after the network axed its flagging Thursday night Footy Show.
The cost- cutting measure comes after the show’s failed revamp and a 10pm timeslot following Thursday night’s game was a flop in the ratings.
Molan, who returned after just six weeks of maternity leave to helm the show, was hailed “a star and a great broadcaster” by Nine’s director of sport, Tom Malone, who assured viewers “she’s going to take an even more prominent role on Nine’s sports broadcasts going forward”.
The official announcement brings to an end, after 25 years, the NRL Footy Show, which won its last Logie award in 2017 but struggled to hold its historic audience numbers, with Nine negotiating to broadcast an NRL game on Thursday nights.
A fan favourite and competent female voice in an onscreen sea of testosterone, Molan will now have her league- centric work duties expanded to include netball, tennis and cricket.
Malon thanked the show’s producers and studio crews, singling out former host Paul “Fatty” Vautin, who was dumped last year and “made the transition back into the commentary box”.
“Fatty holds the record for the longest- serving host of any prime- time Australian TV show – a tribute to both his understanding of the game, his authenticity, and not to mention his incredible comedic timing,” he said.
“In recent years, Erin has equally brought a new energy, perspective and showed her passion for the game.
“Wide World of Sports will launch a whole new look, feel and sound to its rugby league coverage in 2019, including two new post- match shows to follow Thursday Night Football and Friday Night Football, with a strong emphasis on being at the ground, and interacting with players, fans and coaches.”
The post- match weeknight coverage already includes an extra hour from the ground, with the Footy Show’s axing expected to save on studio expenses and staffing costs for onair panellists and off- air crew.
J a m e s Bracey, who replaced Yvonne Sampson after she was poached by Fox League, will continue to host Nine’s only other mid- week rugby league show, 100% Footy, on Monday nights.