Erin Molan thankful for support amid Andrew Johns fuss

A former Footy Show star has revealed friend Erin Molan has been left in a “broken” and “dark” place over “bulls**t” claims from trolls.

Reports of a rift between Channel 9 presenter Erin Molan and rugby league legend Andrew Johns have continued despite denials from the network.

The Daily Telegraph reports a “feud” between Molan and Nine colleague Johns dates back to 2017 when she replaced Paul “Fatty” Vautin as host of The Footy Show.

Molan has reportedly been the victim of “disgusting” and “inexcusable” trolling since the story broke this week.

Molan’s reported link to the decision to drop Johns from Channel 9’s live Friday night NRL coverage has seen the Channel 9 journalist blamed by social media trolls for Johns’ disappearance from Friday night games.

However, former Footy Show star and Molan’s co-host Beau Ryan on Tuesday exclusively told The Daily Telegraph it is “bulls***” for trolls to blame the reporter for the decisions of Nine management.

Ryan says in the report he saw Molan left “broken” after years of social media trolling.

“That’s what happens to these reality stars … they get on there and think everything’s going to be rosy and then they get trolled and can get really down and dark. I saw that happen to Erin,” Ryan said.

“She’s got a journalism background, she’s done nothing wrong and been trolled for her looks or what she’s done or said, or the show she’s working on, or the team she supports. And it took a toll on her.”

Johns, an NRL immortal and one of Nine’s top analysts, disappeared from the network’s Friday night coverage this season in what’s been suggested was a direct result of not wanting to work with Molan.

Nine claims it was a selfless move by the Newcastle Knights legend to hand an opportunity to Billy Slater in his first year post-retirement.

When contacted by T he Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield, Johns said: “Where did you hear that from? Good old rugby league just thrives on rumours and innuendo.”

Molan has also denied any issues. “Joey is an Immortal, a terrific broadcaster, and someone whom I respect greatly,” she told The Telegraph.

But intense public interest in the story has seen Molan attacked on social media.

Thank you lovely X

— Erin Molan (@Erin_Molan) September 30, 2019

She thanked fellow sport reporter Riana Crehan — who described the trolling as “disgusting” and “inexcusable” — for her support on Monday evening.

Ex-Brisbane Broncos star turned Fox Sports NRL analyst Corey Parker added “well said!” in reply to Crehan’s tweet.

All I will say is that if anyone has a problem with @Erin_Molan than the problem is with them. Erin is one of the nicest people you will ever meet and an amazing person.

— Robert McKnight (@rob_mcknight) October 1, 2019

I have experienced first hand the kindness and generosity of the wonderful @Erin_Molan who is such a bloody hardworking professional and all around legendary human. Anybody who actually knows her would say the same. Love you mate! Xoxo

— ash london (@ash_london) September 30, 2019

This isn’t the first time Johns has removed himself from a panel hosted by Molan, with the league superstar departing the Footy Show when was Molan was elevated as sole host.

But both stars are expected to be part of Nine’s coverage of the NRL Grand Final on Sunday.