Warren Tredrea’s future at Channel 9 under a cloud after station starts double Covid vaccination policy

Warren Tredrea has taken leave from Channel 9, with his future at the network under a cloud over his Covid vaccination stance.

Warren Tredrea’s future at Channel 9 Adelaide is still under a cloud, with the sports presenter taking immediate leave to ponder his Covid vaccination stance.

Tredrea was again a no-show on Nine’s news bulletins on Thursday night, the second consecutive day he has been absent from the newsdesk.

On Wednesday, Nine introduced a double vaccination mandate for everyone on its sites nationally.

Tredrea, 42, declined to comment but has previously said on radio that he is pro-choice on the Covid vaccine.

A Nine spokesman confirmed the former Port Adelaide premiership captain had gone on holidays effective immediately.

“Warren has chosen to take some time off, which is not unusual for our news, sport and weather presenters as we enter the summer, non-ratings period,” the spokesman said.

“This year it suited Warren to begin his time off earlier.”

Nine Adelaide news team – Brenton Ragless, Warren Tredrea and Kate Collins.

Nine weekday sports presenter Warren Tredrea. (AAP/Keryn Stevens)

Lawyers for Tredrea and the station were locked in crisis talks on Thursday, trying to resolve a dispute over the new double vax policy.

An inside source said it was “impossible” for Tredrea to do his job without getting double vaccinated.

“If he can’t do his job, he doesn’t have a job,” the source said.

“Warren is still employed by Nine and there’s work happening behind the scenes to come to a solution.”

Nine sports presenter Warren Tredrea. Pic: Tricia Watkinson

The Advertiser understands Tredrea will be welcomed back if he agrees to get the double jab over his summer break.

Speaking on FIVEaa’s Rowey’s Sports Show in September, Tredrea dismissed any suggestion he was an anti-vaxxer.

“No I’m not, I’m fully vaccinated … but I’m not Covid vaccinated,” he said.

“Everyone is entitled to what they want to do because it’s your body.”

Nine Adelaide’s sports presenter since 2013, Tredrea is also employed by radio station FIVEaa as a regular guest and expert commentator during the AFL season.

He’s already on holidays from FIVEaa and is not expected back at the station until the start of the football season.