Paul Vautin responds to Mario Fenech mocking claims: ‘To tell a fella you love him is a big deal’

Paul Vautin has revealed the mutual love he shares with Mario Fenech as debate rages over whether The Footy Show mocked Fenech’s dementia.

Rabbitohs legend Mario Fenech was a welcomed face at South Sydney training on Tuesday as his former Footy Show co-host Paul Vautin lashed out at suggestions they mocked Fenech’s dementia diagnosis on the show.

Fenech has been a regular at Rabbitohs training this year and took his place at Redfern Oval again on Tuesday just days after the explosive Seven‘s Spotlight on Sunday revealed the extent of his deteriorating health. Fenech happily mingled with the players, posed with fans and even took his spot in the defensive line as the Rabbitohs did some ball-work ahead of their preliminary finals clash against Penrith on Saturday night.

Mario Fenech has been a regular presence at Rabbitohs training.

“(Coach) Jason Demetriou wanted me to come and help and why wouldn’t you do that,” Fenech said. “Sometimes when the boys miss tackles I get a little fired up and tell them they shouldn’t be missing tackles like that.

“Why wouldn’t I want to help Souths. They are my team – I would do anything for them.

Fenech said he was overwhelmed by the support he had received from the rugby league community in recent days.

“It was lovely,” Fenech said.

Mario Fenech talks to Rabbitohs players at training on Tuesday.

Fenech addressed the team after their opening finals week victory against the Roosters. Demetriou said having him around the group was a big morale boost.

“Obviously he is enjoying it and that is the main thing,” Demetriou said. “He is just a great human, Mario. he is a really good person. The boys love having him around, I love having him around. Like I said, the bloke who gets the most out of it is him so it is important.”

Prop Tevita Tatola said Fenech was always chatting to the big men.

Former’ The Footy Show’ panellists Peter 'Sterlo' Sterling, The Chief, Paul 'Fatty' Vautin and Mario Fenech.

“Whenever he comes it is massive for us,” Tatola said. “It gives us a boost and he is always having a laugh with the boys.

“Everyone respects him. He is just great to have around the club. We get a bit of advice off him.”

Meanwhile, Vautin was scathing after reports suggested the Footy Show made fun of Fenech’s ailing health.

“I know for a fact that Mario was seldom, if at all, used on the show after that, so there’s no possible way that we mocked him (after his diagnosis),” Vautin said on Wide World of Sports Radio.

“I just want to reassure people who were fans of the show back in the day. That show has left a great legacy.

“I just want to tell them that we never ever mistreated Mario Fenech once we knew that he had dementia.

“Mario Fenech is one of the greatest people that I've ever met. To tell a fella you love him is a big deal and we would often say that to each other as he left.”

Originally published as Paul Vautin responds to Mario Fenech mocking claims: ‘To tell a fella you love him is a big deal’