NRL great Paul Gallen was left out of Channel Nine’s commentary team for the State of Origin series decider on Wednesday night, with the broadcaster offering no explanation for his puzzling absence.
Gallen, 44, has been appearing on the network since 2018, and has been an integral member of the network’s footy commentary team for several years.
But despite being at Suncorp Stadium for game three of the series, he was nowhere to be seen on Nine’s coverage.
The 44-year-old was working with bookmaker PointsBet at the decider and posted a short clip of him on a panel with Maroons legend Justin Hodges and former Fox League reporter James Hooper in a box at the ground.
He also reposted multiple clips about his state’s underdog victory, which will go down in Origin folklore.
Gallen is one of the main faces of Nine’s rugby league coverage, appearing as a panel member on the 100% Footy program as well as providing colour commentary and interviewing players during matches.
Paul Gallen (pictured) has been left out of the Channel Nine broadcast team for the 2026 State of Origin series decider
Gallen posted a video (pictured) showing he was at the ground on Wednesday night, adding to the mystery over his absence from TV screens
Gallen (pictured right with Channel Nine stars Danika Mason, Allanah Ferguson and James Bracey) has been a key part of the network’s footy lineup for years
Gallen (pictured middle) went straight into permanent media work after he retired from the NRL
The former professional boxer is a huge figure in NSW Origin history after captaining the Blues and winning player of the series in 2014 – the first time the Cockroaches had won the title since 2005.
Fans were quick to pick up on Nine’s line-up change on Wednesday night.
‘Oi where is Paul Gallen tonight? At least he’s not a biased maroon and is better than half the other commentators,’ one wrote on X.
‘Give us Gallen over Gus [Phil Gould] any day,’ another added.
‘Horrible decision,’ one more claimed.
Gallen skippered the Blues a record number of times and has become a footy villain for many Queensland fans.
He has clocked up several years of experience as a sideline or colour commentator, and also holds a role with radio 2GB’s Continuous Call Team.
Channel Nine has been contacted for comment.
