Phil Rothfield’s highs, lows: Erin Molan’s likely replacement at Channel Nine

Erin Molan recently told colleagues of her decision to step down — this is her likely replacement. But is there more to the story? BUZZ’S HIGHS, LOWS

Channel Nine personalities (L-R) Danika Mason, Alana Ferguson and Erin Molan.

This is the Channel Nine personality most likely to replace Erin Molan on the station’s rugby league coverage next season.

Danika Mason is a journalist who began her career at the network as an intern eight years ago.

She was recently promoted from sideline reporting to hosting duties on Saturday night games and has done an excellent job.

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Danika Mason is set to step up at Nine.

Danika Mason is likely to replace Erin Molan.

Danika is highly respected by players, coaches, clubs and fans.

The Sunday Telegraph revealed Molan recently told colleagues of her decision to step down to spend more time with her father, Senator Jim Molan, who is fighting cancer.

It is understood she told Nine’s director of sport Brett Williams of her decision two weeks ago.

Is there more to the story?

Danika Mason (left) with Allana Ferguson and Erin Molan.

Molan was controversially ‘benched’ for this year’s State of Origin series while every other personality got a gig.

It is common knowledge around the network that rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns does not get on with her and they no longer appear on air together.

Channel Nine host James Bracey is also off contract at the end of the year.

There is a potential conflict here because he is managed by Nick Fordham, the cousin of Nine’s head of football Simon Fordham.

Erin Molan is set to leave Nine. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Erin Molan is set to leave Nine to focus more on family. Picture: Toby Zerna

RABBITS BECOME DISORDERLY RABBLE

Up until Friday night the South Sydney Rabbitohs were the most disciplined team in the NRL.

They had given away only 3.3 penalties per game over more than 20 weeks.

Then all of a sudden they became a disorderly rabble.

At least that’s according to referee Grant Atkins, who smashed them 11-2 in the penalty count against the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium.

In fairness a good proportion of those penalties were probably warranted.

However it’s hard to believe a Wayne Bennett coached team could be that bad.

Especially when Penrith had given away the fifth most penalties of the 16 teams.

In light of the penalty count, Souths would not be overly concerned with their performance.

They just won’t want to have Atkins in charge for the big games during the finals series.

The Rabbitohs have lost all four games he has controlled this year against Storm and Penrith.

TRY OF THE YEAR CONTENDER 🔥

Take a bow, Jayden Okunbor 🙌#NRLBulldogsKnights
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HIGHLIGHT

We have seen some spectacular tries this year but nothing as stunning as the Jayden Okunbor touch down in the final minute for the Canterbury Bulldogs against the Newcastle Knights. This took the most remarkable skill from a much-underrated player.

LOWLIGHT

Josh Dugan earns $15,000-a-week as an NRL player. On that salary a police fine means nothing. Many of our readers have lost their jobs or their businesses during Covid because of people who have no respect for the laws that were introduced to keep us all safe.

If police claims are correct that he broke Covid protocols for a second time late on Friday night he should be immediately deregistered by the NRL.

SHOOSH

Rabbitohs superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell had so many problems under the high ball from the Nathan Cleary air raid on Friday night that the old debate about his best position has been reignited. Latrell’s best football this year was as a centre for the NSW Blues in State of Origin.

SPOTTED

Andrew Fifita has been inspired by a young patient, Lex, he met in Royal Brisbane Hospital. “Lex has a bigger battle than me,” Fifita wrote on his Instagram account. “Made me feel how good life is today. Thank you for being my Grateful for the week. You taught me a lot by being in your presence. I’ll forever remember that moment.”

BETTING MOVES

The Panthers’ win over the Rabbitohs has had a major effect on the TAB betting markets. The Panthers have firmed from $3.75 to $3.25 while the Rabbitohs have drifted from $5 to $5.50. Melbourne Storm remain $2.25 favourites.

SPOTTED

Cronulla Sharks won the ‘Novotel Cup’.

The Sharks have a new trophy to sit next to the 1979 Amco Cup and 2016 premiership title. Staying in the same hotel as the Wests Tigers, the teams agreed to play for the Novotel Cup in Rockhampton on Saturday.

SPOTTED

Former NRL star Brett Finch (mask compliant) on a family walk in Sans Souci with wife Elli and daughter Mackenzie. Finchy celebrated his 40th birthday on Friday with a quiet family dinner.

TOP BUY

There’s one player we should have included in the top 10 list of best buys in the Sunday Telegraph. Panthers forward Scott Sorensen has been a great pick-up from the Cronulla Sharks.

360 VIEW

Catch you tonight on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6.30pm with Yvonne Sampson, Paul Kent and James Hooper to discuss all the biggest issues out of Round 23 of the competition.