Paul Vautin: ‘You’ve got to put the big boy pants on and move on’
AN emotional Paul Vautin finally opened up on his controversial axing from the NRL Footy Show last night, ‘signing off’ on 24 years with the program. In an unexpected speech, the TV presenter said it was a “shock and disappointment” to be sacked from his own show.
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AN emotional Paul Vautin ‘signed off’ on 24 years hosting the NRL Footy Show last night, finally opening up on his controversial axing.
The popular rugby league TV star made an impromptu return to The Footy Show on Thursday night as Channel 9’s broadcast crossed from its live coverage of Brisbane’s win over the Eels to the popular rugby league panel show which was also staged at Channel 9’s Suncorp Stadium studio.
“ As everyone knows, I got relieved of my duties in October last year which was a bit of a shock and disappointment, but in this world you’ve got to put the big boy pants on and move on,” Vautin said during the live cross.
Thanks for the memories, Fat. â¤ï¸ #9NRLFootyShow pic.twitter.com/tOfxVO1WVp
— The NRL Footy Show (@NRLFootyShow) May 24, 2018
“ I’m extremely happy now being back in the commentary box and doing a bit of work with Rabs and Ray and all the boys, Joey and Sterlo. It’s good to be back at the local grounds, the grassroots of rugby league and enjoying myself.”
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“I’m here to express my gratitude at being allowed to host the NRL Footy Show for the last 24 years. I think it’s one of the greatest television shows in the history of television and I’m so proud to have been involved in it.”
Vautin penned a column for Wide World of Sports and also delivered a four-minute farewell speech on Thursday night, “signing off” from the show he helped build
The 58-year-old was reportedly offered an opportunity to return as host during Erin Molan’s pregnancy leave, but knocked it back because he was “dirty” about being sacked in October last year while on holidays overseas.
In an extensive summary of the show’s many transformations, Vautin thanked many of his colleagues, including original co-host Peter Sterling, Ray Hadley, Steve Roach, Greg Ritchie, Matthew Johns, Paul Harragon, Beau Ryan, Michael Slater and Mario Fenech.
He also opened up on headaches with the show’s producers.
Moments we'll never forget! Sensational career Fatty. #9NRLFootyShow pic.twitter.com/zQe3cNmEm4
— The NRL Footy Show (@NRLFootyShow) May 24, 2018
“There’s so many people to thank for that. First up, all the executive producers of the show,” he wrote.
“I had a few head butts with them all but we also laughed a lot.
“I’m proud of the fact that the show won 11 Logies including the last five in a row as the best sports show in Australia, I’m proud of the fact that the show is still on air, the show is still going in its 25th year.
“I’m proud of the fact that I made a lot of friends and I’m also proud that when everyone came on I like to think they walked off thinking, ‘That was fun, I’d love to do that again’, and I hoped you laughed with me.
“Thanks for watching. That’s a sign out from me.”