Grand Final Buzz: Ray Hadley, John Gibbs feud erupts at Accor Stadium; Spotted, Shoosh from Homebush
Some serious aggro erupted in the broadcast area of Accor Stadium between two former media colleagues, with Ray Hadley and former Manly halfback John Gibbs exchanging words.
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There’s nothing like a good old media stink on grand final day …
Some serious aggro erupted in the broadcast area of Accor Stadium when veteran 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley found himself in the same room as his long-time enemy, the ABC’s John Gibbs. Hadley hasn’t spoken to the former Manly halfback since he abruptly left the Continuous Call team 22 years ago. “He got life,” Hadley said. “And he knows why.”
On Sunday Gibbs daringly called out aloud, “Hello Ray” to which Hadley replied, “Stop wasting your breath.”
Nasty stuff!
HIGHLIGHT
A belter of an NRLW grand final with 11 tries as the Roosters held off a barnstorming Sharks fightback to win 32-28.
LOWLIGHT
We’re over the 7.33pm kick-off time. If the AFL can get four million plus TV viewers with a day-time decider, why can’t we do the same. I did a poll on social media on . The result: Afternoon 55%, twilight 34%, night 11%.
Poll
— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) October 6, 2024
Preferred GF kick off time
SPOTTED
Newly appointed Broncos coach Michael Maguire sitting out with the punters.
SPOTTED
Mose Masoe has recovered well enough from his spinal injury to return to the workforce, driving an Uber on the Sunshine Coast. The most inspirational man in rugby league.
SPOTTED
A stack of political heavyweights inside the NRL suite including the PM Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton. Their teams, the Rabbitohs and Broncos, had shocking years. Premier Chris Minns was there too. At least his team the Doggies had a great season.
SHOOSH
No sign of retiring Roosters centre Michael Jennings – and rightly so — among the departing NRL stars who were honoured by fans at Accor Stadium before the big game.
SHOOSH
Which Fox Sports rugby league pundit recently had his Foxtel direct-debit subscription cancelled. Turns out our man recently changed banks but forget to tell the accounts department.
SHOOSH
It has been the toughest of 12 months for player agent Chris Orr who manages Jason Demetriou, Kevin Walters, Brad Arthur and Justin Holbrook – all of whom lost their job. Orr also looks after Josh Hannay, who finished a close second behind Jason Ryles for the Parramatta job.
SHOOSH
Which long shot to replace Michael Maguire as NSW State of Origin coach has been on the phone to every footy scribe in town asking for their support.
360 VIEW
Catch you Monday on Fox League at 6.30pm with Braith Anasta, Gordie Tallis and Brent Read for one last NRL 360 show for the year.
AND FINALLY
That’s it for another season of the greatest game of all. Your columnist is taking an extended break. Stay safe and catch you all next year.
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