Channel 9 eyes Seven’s Mitch Cleary in TV network talent war
The television sports war has escalated with Channel 9 targeting Seven’s chief football reporter just days after losing their own star to their rival.
Channel 7’s chief footy reporter Mitch Cleary has been sounded out for a switch to a rival network in the wake of Tom Morris’ defection.
It’s understood Channel 9 has inquired about the top newsbreaker’s availability to replace Morris in what could turn out to be a game of musical chairs.
Morris last week told Nine that he intended to take up a lucrative offer from Seven.
Cleary, who has been the chief footy reporter at Seven for the past two years, is set to retain the title despite Morris’ arrival, but many are wondering if two gun newshounds could work at the same network.
Seven also poached rising star Xander McGuire from Nine, who are losing a lot of experience in Morris and Clint Stanaway, with the latter announcing he was quitting TV to focus on his radio commitments.
Morris had hosted Footy Furnace on Sunday nights and was a panellist on Footy Classified but the lure of working across footy and cricket was too appealing given Seven broadcasts both.
Seven’s head of sport Chris Jones and Agenda Setters host Craig Hutchison, who have been behind the poaching of Kane Cornes and Caroline Wilson, put forward a compelling deal.
It’s unclear yet if Nine will impose a non-compete clause on Morris, who is officially out of contract on December 31 and is on leave until then.
If so it could take up to six months for his move to eventuate.
Cleary, who was trained under Hutchison and Damian Barrett, has also featured across The Agenda Setters and the Thursday night footy coverage, as well as having a key role during the grand final coverage.
He’s expected to be on leave over summer and has a big decision to make.
