Saint, Sinner, Shoosh: Ray Hadley retirement pitches unknown into top 2GB role
An unknown host will take over the Continuous Call team on Sundays following Ray Hadley’s retirement, Kevvie Walters has vowed not to rip off fans in his return to commentary, Tom Hazelton could leave Cronulla and more in Saint, Sinner, Shoosh.
Radio 2GB has appointed an ‘unknown’ station employee to host the Sunday afternoon Continuous Call team.
Gavin ‘one-iron’ Pitchford will replace Mark Levy, who is taking Sundays off after stepping into Ray Hadley’s weekday morning role.
Pitchford has previously hosted a weekend fishing show on 2GB but is best known as a panel operator and production guru.
The ‘one-iron’ at least knows his rugby league.
He has produced Matty Johns’ podcasts and The Daily Telegraph NRL podcast in the past.
2GB boss Tom Malone is confident it will work out.
“He’s been around for more than 20 years and knows radio, rugby league and what audiences are looking for,” Malone said.
“He’s got a good voice, a good turn of phrase, knows how to tell a story and knows the format of the show because he has worked on it for such a long time.”
Pitchford will have strong support from senior journo Neil Breen, who is on the show to provide a newsy touch and a break from the comedy.
WALTERS WON’T HOLD BACK
Kevvie Walters has vowed he won’t be holding back on the Brisbane Broncos when he relaunches his media career on Fox Sports and Triple M this season.
Unceremoniously axed by the Broncos last year, Walters will be the must-listen-to media man for insights into his old club as the season pans out under new coach Michael Maguire.
Contrary to reports from last year around the time of his sacking, Walters is not staying on the Broncos payroll as an ambassador.
He has no official relationship with the club.
“I’ll call it as I see it,” Walters said.
“If it upsets someone, well, I’m just doing my job.
“You’re ripping off the viewers if you’re not being authentic.
“My views on the Broncos will be the same as my views on the other clubs.
“Sometimes it might piss people off but it’s our job to have an opinion and call things out.
“I’ll be honest, the same as commentators were with me when I was coaching. As long as you’re fair and balanced.”
Walters has had little contact with the players, other than his son Billy, since his departure.
He’s still disappointed about the way it finished but holds no grudges.
“I genuinely hope they do well,” he said.
“They’re all good fellas. What happened last year, happened. My concern this year is the club’s depth. I’m not sure how strong it will be when injuries happen.
“And with the new job, I like to see the good in the game rather than like some commentators who concentrate or focus on the negatives.
“It’s a great game, great athletes and great skill.”
Fox Sports boss Steve Crawley is a huge Walters fan.
“Don’t let Kevvie’s scallywag persona fool you because he was one of the masterminds of the Broncos’ six premierships playing either half or more often five eighth,” Crawley said.
“No one understood the great Alfie Langer and got the best out of him like he did and he’s always been one of Wayne Bennett’s favourites.
“He’s a wonderful commentator because he can cut to the chase just as quickly as he can fill a room with laughter. It’s just so good to have him back at Fox League.
Walters will also do a weekly podcast on Triple M with another coach who was axed last year – Jason Demetriou.
SAINT
In the true spirit of Anzac Day, it is so good to see the Canberra Raiders and ACT Brumbies come together on a massive weekend footy package in the national capital. In a joint promotion, the rival codes will offer tickets from just $20 for the Brumbies v Hurricanes on Saturday, April 26 and then the Raiders v Dolphins on Sunday, April 27.
SINNER
SHOOSH
Which NRL club CEO has had some cosmetic work done on his melon in the off-season? He now is looking about 10 years younger than he did in 2024.
SHOOSH
Phil Gould is on a different page to Canterbury Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton in his push to have player names on the back of jerseys. Back in 2020 Gus said the following on Twitter: “Nice concept. Won’t work for our game. The jersey belongs to the club, not players.”
SHOOSH
We’ve heard many stories over the years about NRL clubs rorting the salary cap. One used to hand out brown paper bags full of cash in the carpark of a western Sydney McDonalds. These days it’s far more discreet. One club is apparently paying for free home renovations through a sponsor. As the old saying goes, “if you don’t cheat, you don’t compete”.
SPOTTED
Old supercoach Wayne Bennett and boxing legend Jeff Fenech at Grappa restaurant in Leichhardt. This is where your columnist sprung him breaking the NRL’s strict Covid protocols back in 2020. He was suspended and put into isolation for two weeks.
SPOTTED
Ex-Test and Origin prop Marty Bella was always good for a quote during his playing days. Nothing has changed with his social media offerings on the Sam Kerr allegations before a London court: “SPEWING IN CAB, REFUSING PAY TO CLEANUP, SMASHING WINDOW. RACIALLY ABUSING COP. KEEPING CLASSY KERR STYLE.”
SPOTTED
You’ve gotta love the Rabbitohs fans who have named their two dogs Georgie and Piggins, proudly displaying the names of the club legend and saviour on their harnesses.
FIFITA RETURNS TO SHIRE
Cronulla’s 2016 grand final hero Andrew Fifita is making another park football comeback at 35.
Fifita has signed up with De La Salle to play A-Grade in the Cronulla junior league.
De La Salle President Dave Nicholson said Fifita was keen to help develop young players.
“He’ll be good around the younger boys,” Nicholson said.
“He brings a really good work ethic.
“It’s not about money but more about him wanting to put back into junior footy.
“He just wants to play footy without any controversy.”
TOP DOGS CHECK VEGAS
Canterbury chairman Adam Driussi, CEO Aaron Warburton and general manager and footy boss Phil Gould are off to Las Vegas for the NRL season opener.
The main purpose of the trip is to check out facilities before a possible pitch to play there next year.
There is already talk of the Bulldogs playing St George-Illawarra in Vegas.
The Dragons are also keen to get involved.
PVL’S SUPER SIZED GIFT
Fast food chain McDonalds has shot a TV commercial for the rugby league season including Parramatta Eels skipper Mitchell Moses and independent commission chairman Peter V’landys.
V’landys was offered a $20,000 fee for appearing in the advertisement. Typical of his generosity towards charities, he donated the $20,000 straight to Ronald McDonald house.
DRAGONS HOPING ON HAZELTON
St George-Illawarra are close to securing a front-rower they desperately need.
Cronulla Sharks cult hero Tom Hazleton is set to knock back the Newcastle Knights and the Dolphins to sign with the Dragons.
He is a close friend of Daniel Atkinson, another Sharks star who is headed to St George-Illawarra next season.
The Sharks were desperate to keep him but can’t match offers from rival clubs.
The Dragons are desperate for more front-row firepower having lost Francis Molo and missed out on a number of props who were on the open market – Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Terrell May and Addin Fonua Blake.
SON OF OFFIAH GETS HIS FOOTBALL SPURS
Phoenix Offiah, the 15-year-old son of legendary rugby league winger Martin Offiah, has been signed by Aussie coach Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspurs.
Offiah was a try scoring machine in English rugby league and at the Roosters and Dragons, one of the fastest wingers to ever play the game.
Phoenix is rated as one of the most exciting Premier League prospects in England.
The family obviously has a great sporting bloodline. Phoenix’s older brother Tyler plays for Bath rugby union.
MAFS GAFFE GETS BRIDE OFFSIDE
The man known as the “Art Dealer” – South Sydney Rabbitohs tragic and former Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i adviser Steve Nasteski – has created a storm on TV reality show MAFS. Nasteski is the cousin of groom Tony, who married Morena. He’s caused massive controversy by saying the bride was too old.
BROWN’S MANAGER RUNS A BLOCK PLAY
It doesn’t always pay to write the truth in this business of sports journalism.
Not when you’re dealing with a certain player manager.
Last year I wrote how agents Chris Orr and Nash Dawson had a physical exchange outside a Port Macquarie pub. It was obviously a bad look.
It was newsworthy and a legitimate snippet for this column.
Other journos wouldn’t touch it because they rely on Orr for stories and leaks.
For several weeks I have been trying to track down Orr in regards to his client, Eels star Dylan Brown. I want to challenge him on asking Parramatta for even more money – on top of Brown’s $900,000 contract – to drop his get-out clause.
It turns out Orr has blocked your columnist’s phone number. The crime … reporting on the Port Macquarie altercation. We shall move on.
Thankfully Parramatta is finally showing some management strength on this occasion. They will not be paying Brown an extra cent.
LIVING IT UP AT ALLEGIANT
These are the corporate suites that cost north of $1 million at last year’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Now they are available to rugby league fans.
The Wynn suite at Allegiant Stadium is as plush and luxurious as anywhere in the world.
On game day they’re full of billionaires and celebrities.
Last year the NRL used the facility for their corporate guests.
This year it’s for the fans.
Front-row booths are selling for around $8000. They hold 10 people.
Standing room tickets go for around $150.
Exclusive stats: How SuperCoaches are taking advantage of new rule
The brand new Flex position has arrived for 2025 and here are the numbers that show how SuperCoaches are using it to their advantage.
Old traditions and historic firsts: Inside Mal’s Kangaroos overhaul
Australia coach Mal Meninga has revealed his unique Kangaroos UK tour plan which will revive an old-fashioned tradition, include an extra Test and a historic training camp in the UAE.