Peter Sterling retirement: Paul Vautin says ‘old’ voices still matter in NRL commentary

As Channel 9’s rugby league roster undergoes major change, Paul Vautin has opened up on Peter Sterling’s retirement and the push for younger voices on Nine’s commentary team.

Paul Vautin and Peter Sterling have worked together at Channel 9 for 30 years. Picture: Brett Costello

Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin was shocked when long-time workmate Peter Sterling told him he was retiring – then, suddenly, he wasn’t.

Vautin revealed Sterling privately informed him three months ago that the 30-year journey they have shared as commentators and Footy Show sidekicks would end this season.

“I was shocked but then again I wasn’t,’’ said Vautin, who is contracted to Channel 9 for next year.

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“Thirty years is a long time. He said the job has been great but there is more stuff to do in life and that involved his family. And I support him.

“We started together. It made you think about the great times we had. In 30 years we have never came close to a cross word.’’

Paul Vautin and Peter Sterling have worked together at Channel 9 for 30 years. Picture: Brett Costello

It has been reported Nine’s league roster will undergo major change next year to stimulate declining ratings.

Vautin believes a key area Sterling will be missed is his ability to suppress state ties at State of Origin time.

“I don’t know how he did it but all through the Origin era he maintained a balance despite the fact he was desperate for NSW to win. He never got emotional in the call,” Vautin said.

“Gus Gould would go nuts at something NSW did and I would wear my heart on my sleeve for Queensland. You have to expect some bias because of who you played for or coached. But Peter was different. He is a very smart individual and gave both teams the credit they deserve.’’

Vautin feels commentary teams need to be a balance of fresh and seasoned eyes.

“We get it (the push for younger commentators). We see it coming from a mile off but I think there is enough room at the moment for the young and the old,” he said.

“Some people still like the old commentators. They tend to keep it simpler. Some of the younger ones do more coach speak.’’

Peter Sterling and Paul Vautin were the original hosts of the NRL Footy Show.

Vautin and Sterling kicked off their commentary careers together in 1992 when Channel 9 took the rights and shared projects such as the birth of the Footy Show.

“I remember before the first edition of the Footy Show I was supposed to use an autocue but I didn’t like the jokes it had on it,” he said.

“As we were waiting to go on set Sterlo said, ‘what are you going to do?’ and I said, ‘wing it’ and he said, ‘I am with you all the way’.

“He set the standard for colour commentators.

“The first time we commentated together I heard the way he explained things and thought ‘hmmm, right … I might try something different’.’’