Sports power couple reveals how they make it work in the same industry

Parramatta Eels flyer Bailey Simonsson and Fox Sports News presenter Sarah Karaoglu’s professional worlds may collide, but the couple finds ways to make it work.

Bailey Simonsson in the round 10 Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos match this year. Picture: Getty Images

One sprints down the football field while the other reports the action on it. Parramatta flyer Bailey Simonsson and Fox Sports News presenter Sarah Karaoglu’s worlds may collide, but the couple is finding ways to make it work.

Karaoglu and fiance Simonsson spend their downtime together taking labrador Koda to Coogee beach, planning their wedding and driving to Canberra to visit family.

But when the cameras are rolling and the whistle goes, it’s a different story for the sports power couple, who say running into each other on game day and talking all things sport together is their “normal”.

“When I was learning sidelines I was there at some of his games,” Karaoglu said, also describing watching Simonsson while working at pre-season NRL shoots.

“He was posing for photos and I was there standing like a proud girlfriend and he’s like ‘stop’. It’s normal though. It’s fun for us.

“I read the news sometimes though and it’s hard because if Parramatta lose, I’m reading that and I’m like sorry Bailey.”

Sarah Karaoglu and Bailey Simonsson. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The sporty pair get glammed up for a night out.

The couple, who got together five years ago through mutual friends, have seen the highs and lows of sport, with Simonsson’s rough run with injuries, including a season ending ACL tear in June.

“Sarah’s seen it all. She’s been massive for me,” Simonsson said.

“A lot of people probably don’t realise what happens behind the scenes. There’s a lot of good but there’s also some bad, so having Sarah has been helpful especially if it gets a bit dark.

“Injury is something that comes with playing so you accept it. It definitely helps having someone to lean on.”

While Karaoglu is set to occupy the Fox Sports desk at Artarmon, Simonsson is locked down at the Eels until 2027 after signing a three-year contract extension last month.

“It’s been a tough year (but) I really believe it’s a good club and we can have success,” he said. “I wouldn’t have stayed if I didn’t believe the club was going in the right direction.”

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