Erin Molan, Andrew Johns kept their distance during NRL grand final coverage

Channel 9 has rushed to play down the most significant no-show on NRL’s night of nights with League Immortal Andrew Johns and host Erin Molan not seen together during the Grand Final coverage.

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As the feud between Andrew Johns and Erin Molan continues, Nine have said any suggestion she was not in the commentary box because of him at the NRL Grand Final is “complete nonsense”.

Nine told News Corp today Molan was still involved in the broadcast yesterday, and she had key hosting roles as part of the network’s coverage of the biggest day for NRL.

It also confirmed that Molan was never meant to be part of the Grand Final commentary team during the Roosters and Raiders match.

Channel 9 hosts Erin Molan and Darren Lockyer last night. Picture: AAP

“Nine broadcasted three Grand Finals back-to-back including the Sunday Footy Show from 11am,” a Nine spokesman said.

“Erin hosted the Sunday Footy Show from the ground.

“Right after it, Erin hosted the NRLW final which was at 3.30pm and then James came back in to host the Grand Final.

“But even so Erin was still involved in broadcast, so saying she wasn’t is just not true.”

Nine said she was interviewing people after the game, and midgame.

“That’s how it’s been for years … every year we’ve had Ray, Gus and Joey in for commentary,” he said.

“And because there’s so many matches Erin and James alternate between the three games.

“That’s what happens and that’s what we’ve been saying all week.”

He also added that while Bracey was the Master Of Ceremonies for the medal ceremony and presentation, Molan was out on the field interviewing players and doing the post-game wrap.

“So they’ve both been involved as per normal,” he said.

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As first reported by The Daily Telegraph sports editor-at-large Phil Rothfield, former NRL Footy Show host Molan and Newcastle Knights legend Johns are no longer on speaking terms. The rumoured rift has been one of the most talked­-about stories of grand final week.

Despite claims Channel 9 executives had told the pair to mend their reported rift and work alongside each other, Johns and Molan were never seen together last night.

Andrew Johns on the Channel 9 Grand Final commentary panel last night.

The relationship breakdown was reportedly linked to Channel 9’s controversial decision­ to axe veteran Footy Show host Paul “Fatty” Vautin in October 2017 — and replace him with Molan.

Molan has received hate mail and threats on social media since the story surfaced. A teary Molan recently told WSFM’s Jonesy and Amanda she had been unable to sleep. But the 37-year-old has received a chorus of support from high-profile identities including Karl Stefanovic.

Johns has denied claims of a rift, despite being missing from the commentary box alongside Molan during Friday night coverage in recent months.

Originally published as Erin Molan, Andrew Johns kept their distance during NRL grand final coverage