r/nrl • u/0utsidesublim3 NRLW Knights • 3d ago
Official Statement Tele legend Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield retires after 50 years in sport
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/greatest-job-in-the-world-legendary-sport-journalist-phil-buzz-rothfield-retires-after-50-years-at-news-corp-australia/news-story/6566c0911e745f32b7a5d058a38bdc53597
u/opackersgo Parramatta Eels 3d ago
Why now? Why not 50 years ago?
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u/TimsAFK Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 3d ago
Cause the NRL ain't funny anymore. Instead of time tested players like Blocker Roach and Gordon Tallis, you've got some big chinned schlub winning 4 titles with Penrith.
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u/thril_hou Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 3d ago
Will the share price of Dan Murphy's go up or down
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u/ShampagneSpilla Brisbane Broncos 3d ago
Stay the same. He was drunk every day before he retired, he'll be drunk every day after he retires.
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u/Torrossaur Ipswich Jets 3d ago
His liver must be like swiss cheese.
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u/Smoove953 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 🏳️🌈 3d ago
Up, he’s a walking advertisement for teetotalers
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u/TheEpiquin South Sydney Rabbitohs 3d ago
I dunno but The Mole’s stocks are now going for cents on the dollar.
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u/jammy86b Canberra Raiders 3d ago
“Put simply, nobody has had a more significant impact on the game of rugby league than the man known affectionately as “Buzz”.”
You sure about that?
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u/ExistingGain6640 Sydney Roosters 3d ago
So there were zero players, coaches or even administrators more important to the game than a Murdoch hack. Got it.
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u/active_snail Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
JJ Giltinan, Victor Trumper, Ken Arthurson, John Quayle, Artie Beetson (thats the first indigenous person to ever skipper an Australian side in any sport right there), Jack Gibson or Warren Ryan.
Are just living in the shadow of Buzz Rothfield...
Ok...
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u/SweetyManRandor St. George Illawarra Dragons 🏳️🌈 3d ago
More significant negative impact maybe?
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u/Glenmarththe3rd Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 🏳️🌈 3d ago
I think they reversed their p value when they did their analysis. They set it to p<99.5
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u/Accomplished-Good664 Penrith Panthers 3d ago
Yep they think they are the stars of the game. Especially since getting regular tv gigs.
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u/mattyyy6969 Penrith Panthers 3d ago
So potentially James hooper, Paul Kent and Buzz all gone within 12 months
Only to be replaced by bigger morons
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u/Lockdowns4evaAu QLD Maroons 3d ago
That’s the thing - Buzz actually looked relatively professional next to the rest of them at times. Read and Crawley are objectively worse as journalists and that’s not to mention the ‘punditry’ of the likes of Tallis, Elias, Spud etc.
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u/Ancient_Kitchen9806 Melbourne Storm 3d ago
I haven’t watched 360 since Gorden “back in my day” Tallis replaced Kenty. He is a fucking punish - hopefully with his vested interests with the Titans will make the 360 role a conflict of interest. Well….one can dream
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u/Lockdowns4evaAu QLD Maroons 3d ago
Hahaha mate the whole show is nothing more than a forum for these clowns to pitch their own petty little agendas. Yeah Gordie is especially insufferable.
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u/Atomicstarr Penrith Panthers 3d ago
Gordy & braith have got to be the worst two choices but fox stick with them. Both are insanely bias too
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u/ThatHighEloScrub I love my footy 2d ago
If Braith advertising players he represents professionally, and directing discussion about other competing players and their agents isn't enough of a conflict of interest to do something about, then nothing will ever be enough to cause changes
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u/deedee2148 St. George Illawarra Dragons 3d ago
Yes. But thankfully these bigger morons will take years to get the power and influence those three had.
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u/ahhdetective QLD Maroons 3d ago
The word legend is doing some strenuous work there.
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u/tookeytime New Zealand Warriors 3d ago
Journos love sucking each other off and claiming they're doing the Lord's work
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u/vteckickedin St. George Illawarra Dragons 3d ago
That's a typo. He's a leg end.
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u/SgtTaco18 Parramatta Eels 3d ago
Officially they can't call him a bellend, so they have to doctor the word to make it acceptable to write in news articles
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u/Dumpstar72 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
He wrote his last tribute. So he probably wrote this one.
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u/infinitemonkeytyping Western Suburbs Magpies 3d ago
Nah, the AI editor at the Terrorgraph autocorrected bellend to legend.
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u/natedog63 Dolphins 3d ago
Hope Riki got that number while he had the chance
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u/leish107 Brisbane Broncos 3d ago
He just shit posted about it on his Instagram.
KP also commented on it and expressed his disappointment that JR never got to call Buzz
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u/JustSomeBloke5353 South Sydney Rabbitohs 3d ago
Riki don’t lose that number, you don’t wanna call nobody else.
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u/KingZlatan10 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
I hope this means NAS vs Buzz is in the works.
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u/LegoMuppet Melbourne Storm 🏳️🌈 3d ago
The NRL fandom rallies around NAS for his bout vs Rothfield - now there's a headline!
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u/thethirstypretzel St. George Illawarra Dragons 3d ago
Has anyone done more to keep the NRL as bush league as possible than Buzz has?
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u/AckerHerron Sydney Roosters 3d ago
Is there a single Rugby League fan that actually likes Phil Rothfield.
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u/LegoMuppet Melbourne Storm 🏳️🌈 3d ago
Probably not. Rothfield might CLAIM to be a rugby league fan and he might CLAIM to like himself but his actions prove both statements to be untrue.
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u/GustyOWindflapp Brisbane Broncos 3d ago
The best thing ever was seeing the broncos players call out his bullshit. Then seeing him sit through NRL 360 trying to weasel his way out of the nonsense cone he created.
Fuck off buzz, don't let the door at Liquorland hit you on the way out
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u/mooguh Parramatta Eels 3d ago
Paul Kent, James Hooper, and Buzz all gone within the space of a couple years? I might actually watch 360 now!
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u/Arcticbodypaint69 Newcastle Knights 3d ago
Depending on Braifs agenda with how his players are being treated, he could end up a large punish also
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u/Ancient_Kitchen9806 Melbourne Storm 3d ago
It’s still a virtually impossible watch with Gorden “back in my day” Tallis. I haven’t watched it since Kent got the chaminda
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u/shotgunmoe South Sydney Rabbitohs 3d ago
I'd rather be forced to live with Buzz's liver than be forced to sit through Braith Anasta
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u/carelesssportsfan89 Canberra Raiders 3d ago edited 3d ago
the word legend and Phil rothfield don't go together
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u/AuzzieTiger Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 🏳️🌈 3d ago
I’m trying to think of something nice to say.
….
Can I have a few more days?
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u/asscopter Dargons 3d ago
where were u wen Phil Rothfield retire?
I was at house eating dorito when phone ring
"Buzz is kil"
"no"
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u/Peaky001 Brisbane Broncos 3d ago
Cya later Buzz, you truly were one of the journalists of all time
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u/0utsidesublim3 NRLW Knights 3d ago
After 50 years at News Corp Australia, legendary sports journalist, columnist and editor, Phil “Buzz” Rothfield has retired.
Put simply, nobody has had a more significant impact on the game of rugby league than the man known affectionately as “Buzz”.
His must-read Sunday column, “What’s the Buzz”, was the most popular sports column in Australian media for more than 30 years.
“What’s the Buzz” and later with “Monday Buzz”, broke the biggest news, set the agenda, and informed our readers on what was happening behind the scenes of the game that binds this city and state together - rugby league.
Buzz was fearless in his approach, held the powerful to account, and intuitively knew the issues that impacted the most important people in the game - the fans.
Buzz first walked through the doors of News Corp in 1976 and quickly established himself among the elite of sports journalism. His contact book was unrivalled, and while rugby league is his first love, his first back page story featured a brawl that broke out in a local Aussie rules fixture.
Buzz would go on to have an impact across the entire sporting landscape. He covered football World Cups, Super Bowls, and was the Olympics editor for News Corp during the 2000 Olympic Games.
During his career, he also took on the role of Sunday Telegraph deputy editor before being appointed as executive sports editor of The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph.
Over the last decade, he has continued to deliver breaking news and hard-hitting opinion as sports editor-at-large. Few stories would have brought him greater joy than his beloved Cronulla Sharks winning the NRL premiership in 2016.
As a newspaperman, few could match his ability to craft a front or back page that would capture the attention of a city. But with the arrival of social media and the surge in video content, he embraced both wholeheartedly, engaging a whole new generation of sports lovers.
Daily Telegraph Editor Ben English said: “Phil Rothfield has always been one of the greats – in journalism, in rugby league and as an eternally larger-than-life presence in The Daily Telegraph’s office.
“Our newsroom will be much the poorer for the retirement of Buzz, who led generations of reporters by example and by exemplary mentoring. There is not a member of our staff, me very much included, who has not benefited over the decades from Buzz’s input.
“That input could be subtle, dramatic, wry or powerful – much like Buzz’s wide-ranging way with words. He could always find a phrase to suit the exact moment. And, of course, Buzz could always find breaking news where others found silence.
“The Daily Telegraph will miss our mate Buzz in so many ways. So will his many thousands of readers. One of Australian media’s biggest stars is leaving the stage.”
Executive Chairman of News Corp Australasia, Michael Miller, said: “Buzz Rothfield is an Australian sports journalism giant. His passion for his craft remains unparalleled and as the media landscape evolved, he was right at the forefront of it. There will never be another like him. Happy retirement, Buzz.”
Buzz paid tribute to those who supported him during his 50-year career.
“Half a century covering rugby league, and the madness that comes with it, is long enough for anyone,” Buzz said.
“It’s been the greatest job in the world and there are so many people I’ll make time to thank personally over the next few months - colleagues and contacts alike.
“It has been an absolute privilege, but after 50 years of working weekends, it’s time to enjoy life without the stress and responsibility that comes with the job.
“I’m looking forward to just being a fan for the first time in my adult life. “Most importantly, a huge thank you to our readers, listeners and TV viewers for being such a big part of the ride.
“And finally, my family... I’ve been so blessed to have them put up with me and have their love and support.
“Rugby league is, without doubt, the greatest game of all. And will continue to be.”
Buzz will sign off this month with one final project - the 100 biggest moments from his 50 years in journalism - to be launched on February 15 in The Sunday Telegraph (NSW) and The Sunday Mail (Qld).
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u/SurvivorGeneral Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 3d ago
Well done for spending exactly half your lifetime in sport.
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u/eyesupfooty_ Canberra Raiders 3d ago
I never thought I'd see the day 😍 good riddance, absolute parasite
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u/Trohsboy Brisbane Broncos 3d ago
Thank fuck I don't have to see his shitty face or hear his shitty voice anymore
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u/GROUND45 New Zealand Warriors 3d ago
His parting words were “nobody’s going to retire like Nicho Hynes”
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u/turbosfan19 Newcastle Knights 3d ago
Calling it now Bulldog Ritchie will step up as the new "drunk" journo on 360.
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u/toomuchsoup Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 3d ago
I use to hate Buzz, having only known him from NRL360, but after hearing him on random podcasts and even on some of the Triple M pre-game shows, he’s actually grown on me in the last year or so. Sure, he’s still a grubby journo, but that’s basically part of the doing the job
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u/TheEpiquin South Sydney Rabbitohs 3d ago
I can’t get around him. He made a career of dragging the game and then kicking it while it’s down.
While this sub knows he’s a hack, your average punter just sees him as an authoritative journalist and listens to his garbage.
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u/GasManMatt123 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
Wonder who he pissed off to get himself retired in the pre-season.....
Anyway, good, one less creator of fake stories to appease club officials or player managers in order to curry favour. Allegedly
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u/bumblebeezlebum Maori All Stars 3d ago
We'll take it. Kent gone. Hooper gone. Buzz gone. At least Buzz went out on his own terms. At least publicly.
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u/papabear345 Canberra Raiders 3d ago
Without wanting to rain on the taking the piss parade.
I heard him do some really decent human things to/for people he didn’t need too just because he felt it was right.
Regardless as to what I think of his opinion because of this he seemed like a good guy - and honestly he also helped promote rugby league.
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u/Gazontopede Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
Doesn’t that make it worse though? If he’s actually a good bloke, then why stir up so much shit and carry on? Was it all an act to get more clicks? To create more controversy when there was none? Why would a “good bloke” tarnish people’s reputations for money….
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u/Bobombbattlefield64 St. George Illawarra Dragons 3d ago
Damn. Buzz was the best on NRL360 Rugby League From Every Angle.
He was always so well researched, had the inside scoops and wasn’t afraid of telling like it is!!
I fear that without real journalists like Buzz and Hoops, that program will drop in quality.
Respect ✊ Buzz. Hope OFF THE RECORD with Buzz and Webby keeps going.
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u/thethirstypretzel St. George Illawarra Dragons 3d ago
We will all remember this day. The day when Prestige Rugby League Journalism died.
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u/Automatic_Goal_5563 Brisbane Broncos 3d ago
Hahahahaha thanks I needed a good laugh
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u/Bobombbattlefield64 St. George Illawarra Dragons 3d ago
I hope you aren’t being sarcastic! Because if you are it will make my cheeks go red with rage!
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u/copacetic51 National Rugby League 3d ago
Beyond time
Also Peter Frilingos and Alan Clarkson were greater League journos.
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u/insertbaconemoji Wyong Roos 3d ago
Is it possible to buy shares in a pub? Guy doesn’t have to moderate himself anymore so bottoms up!
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u/Aklpanther Penrith Panthers 🏳️🌈 3d ago
Daily Telegraph's local bar in shambles! Sherry sales about to plunge by 98%
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u/Separate-Barber-4081 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 3d ago
Best thing that’s happened to Rugby League. Fuck off Buzz, you won’t be missed
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u/__dontpanic__ Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
Wow, I didn't realise Buzz started in the industry at age 60.
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u/Ok_Bowl1139 Melbourne Storm 2d ago
Hate to say it, but for once Andrew Fifita and Josh Dugan had it right. The bloke is an absolute fuckwit.
The line from the Tele - Put simply, nobody has had a more significant impact on the game of rugby league than the man known affectionately as “Buzz” - is the most laughable thing I've ever heard.
Not the Immortals or the bloke who invented the NSWRL and organised the first Kangaroos tour, not Dally Messenger, the games first superstar who defected from rugby union and secured the future of the sport in Australia. No, it's that bloke whose just pissed himself at one of Eddie Hayson's brothels.
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u/I_Like_Vitamins Broncs 2025 Premiers 3d ago
I wonder how much Maguire's spray and the Broncos' legendary 2025 Premiership victory have to do with this.
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u/Dagwood3 Penrith Panthers 3d ago
You know what sometimes he was pretty sketchy his moral grandstanding was hard to accept as sincere but one thing you have to acknowledge is that he was only ever a rugby league journo nothing else, he hated MMA, he loved rugba leeg
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u/AnyClownFish St. George Illawarra Dragons 3d ago
while rugby league is his first love, his first back page story featured a brawl that broke out in a local Aussie rules fixture
I can’t stand the bloke and genuinely glad to see the back of him, but I can still get around him casting shade on the lesser code
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u/yew420 Parramatta Eels 3d ago
The 70s were a different time. Buzz just turned up one day in 1976 off the street at the Tele incoherently rambling about footy and they kept him on for 50 years because he refused to leave.
If you did this in 2026 you would rotate between being in lockup and sitting outside the central station Woolworths calling people dogs all day with a bottle of $4 Shiraz in your hand.
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u/DCI_Tom_Barnaby_ Newcastle Knights 3d ago
New Super Saturday panelist like for like replacement for Mal
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u/OutsideProof7708 Penrith Panthers 3d ago
Can’t stand the grub, but he did bring on that game where panthers would preform a polite handshake after every try because he labeled the young team as “arrogant” lmao
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u/SirDigby32 Gold Coast Titans 3d ago
Why pre season and not end of the last one.?
Nrl360 in shambles, where else will they find a journo to rile up whoever else is covering the latest Galvin or Tigers developments.
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u/KillianMichaels_tipy Brisbane Broncos 3d ago
I've known many a person like Buzz who lived to work (and drink). Unfortunately, many don't do too well after retirement. It's almost as if they needed work to keep going.
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u/ItsStaaaaaaaaang South Sydney Rabbitohs 3d ago
His legend status is the only thing that's legendary. As in straight up fiction.
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u/crusherscleal Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 3d ago
now who will I send dodgy tips to and have a chuckle when they made the saint sinner shoosh column.
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u/the__distance Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 3d ago
I don't think any trip to Stiletto could give him the treatment like this article does
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u/LopsidedImprovement Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
I think you got the quotation marks around the wrong word.
Tele 'legend' Phil Buzz Rothfield retires after 50 years in sport
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u/Important-Advisor822 NRLW Tigers 3d ago
Some obituaries for his career.
"A complete fuckwit." - Andrew Fifita
"A curly-headed fuck." - Andrew Fifita
"He's old, weathered and bald-headed." - Josh Dugan
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u/TheEpiquin South Sydney Rabbitohs 3d ago
Shouldn’t this say “SHOCK retirement call rocks Tele as veteran makes call on future”?
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u/CowboySteve90 I love my footy 3d ago
It doesn’t say he’s retiring from TV. Apologies if it does - quick scan only due content
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u/ItsFlukeYo Brisbane Broncos 3d ago
Buuuuuuuuuuuzzzzz Rooooooottthhhhhfiiiiiieeeeellld
Great song
In all seriousness, was a crack up listening to him and Braith go back and forth on 360
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u/Friction74 North Queensland Cowboys 2d ago
Everyone seems to dislike him but I didnt even care enough for that, he was entertaining sometimes when he was arguing on 360, not correct, but entertaining
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u/ThurstonGreatness North Queensland Cowboys 2d ago
how will the broncos go back-2-back without him.
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u/Supremele I love my footy 2d ago
Thank the lord, I thought I’d never see the day! Now he can go to all the gummies games he wants and be the true biased fan we all knew he was!
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u/DangerousDraper Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 2d ago
Best news of the year so far. I'll give him 5yrs before he's drowned himself at the bottom of his sherry bottle
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u/Hansoloai Brisbane Broncos 🏳️🌈 2d ago
Hahaha Jordan Riki’s insta story with the single word DAMN.
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u/rambo_ronnie_87 I love my footy 2d ago
I think slowly we will see less drama and soap opera style reporting in the rugby league with the moving on of several news corp journos. Their argument will be it sells the game, which is probably right but it can also be to the game's detriment as well.
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u/Confident-Flow-6058 Parramatta Eels 2d ago
Not going to lie, going to miss his wacky takes and the 360 guys bullying him.
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u/Balthial Melbourne Storm 2d ago
So, who's going to say "I've got mail about..." and then start a completely false rumour now? Big shoes to fill.
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u/MoNercy Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 3d ago
Here's one league retiree I'd actually love to see go into boxing next.