Rebecca Maddern’s ‘on text’ with predecessor Tim Watson ahead of her 7News sport debut

Rebecca Maddern is embracing a “new feel and look” at 7News when she takes over from legendary sports presenter Tim Watson next week — with the pair in touch ahead of her debut.

Rebecca Maddern is ready to start the working year with a “new feel and look” as she makes the move from news to sport presenting.

Maddern will begin in the new weekday role on 7News on Monday following Tim Watson’s retirement after three decades with the network.

“I’m still part of the news family and newsroom, it’s just my focus has shifted a bit intensely to sport,’’ Maddern said.

“Sport and news are pretty interchangeable and often lead stories on the news. It’s a new feel and look, I can’t wait.

Rebecca Maddern and husband Trent Miller spent their summer holidays hiking in Tasmania.

Maddern will hit the ground running on her return to work, hosting the Australia Open.

“Tim didn’t give me any parting words because I’ll be speaking to him a lot. We’ve been on the text and it’s a great honour to fill his shoes — he’s a champion footballer, champion broadcaster and champion bloke.”

Maddern is coming off a six week break that included hiking in Tasmania with husband Trent Miller.

She’ll hit the ground running, hosting from the Australian Open for the first two weeks with more on location broadcasting including at the footy on Thursday and Friday nights.

“It’s one of the things I love about my job and Thursday nights are a big focus because we’ve got so many matches and it’ll bring another level of entertainment to the game,’’ Maddern said.

“I have done footy and been involved in footy my whole life but weirdly not involved in the broadcast. We’ve already had a tremendous summer of sport and I’ve happily been watching on the couch.”