Rugby league icon Phil Gould has posted a classy tribute to Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin after the NRL funny man announced his retirement from television, bringing to an end a 33-year broadcasting career.
The former Maroons and Manly forward said he made up his mind up about retiring towards the end of the NRL season.
‘I’m 65, and I’ve run out of petrol,’ Vautin told The Sydney Morning Herald.
‘When I think about my life I have to say it’s all been a surprise; the television career, my football career.
‘I remember thinking as a 15- or 16-year-old redheaded, freckly kid that I didn’t know what I was gonna do with my life, and then when I look at what I’ve done, I’m still surprised.’
Vautin was the face of the popular sports talk show The Footy Show for the better part of 24 years before he was unceremoniously dismissed in 2017 after ratings dwindled.
NRL legend Paul Vautin has announced his retirement from television
Vautin, who played 204 games for Manly and represented his state and country in rugby league, described his time in TV as ‘an absolute privilege’
The Manly legend said it was a privilege to work with so many talented people throughout his career at Channel 9.
‘I still love Nine, and all the great people there, and I still love the game, I really do – it gave me everything,’ he said.
‘I can’t believe how fortunate I’ve been to play the game at the level I did. I thought when I came to Sydney I’d have a few years in reserve grade and then probably go home. Instead, I got to play with some of the greats of the game who I now get to call friends.
‘And then to think that I somehow had a career in media that went for as long as it did. I’m just so grateful for all the people and my family who have helped me along the way.’
The footy larrikin has made an enormous impact on the sport and Gould mentioned this in an emotional post to social media on Sunday morning.
‘Paul Vautin. Champion bloke. One of a kind,’ Gould wrote on Twitter.
‘I’ve always said about Paul, that it takes a smart man to play the fool. Paul had the smart football brain, but was able to entertain the masses with his humour and unique personality.
‘He made football fun. Through the Channel 9 Footy Show and his individual commentary style, Fatty sold our game to millions of people over the years.
Phil Gould has posted a classy tribute to Vautin, saying the NRL legend ‘made football fun’
The Manly great said he made his mind up towards the end of the NRL season
‘It was an incredible example of talent recruitment when Channel Nine Sports Boss Gary Burns decided to employ this bloke to be the face of rugby league TV.
‘What a masterstroke. An outstanding career as a representative class player, Manly Premiership winning Captain, legend State of Origin Coach, Prime Time TV show host, outstanding commentator, comedian, genuine true-blue Aussie.
‘Well done Fat. Best wishes to you and your family for many happy years ahead.’
Footy fans have thanks Gould for his remarks.
‘Well said and well done Fatty, thanks for the memories,’ posted one X user.
‘Jesus Gus. You’re making me tear up. Fat is a Queensland legend and I wish him health and happiness and thanks for four decades of entertainment on and off the field. Onya Fat,’ replied another.
A third posted: ‘Well said Gus. He brought so much enjoyment to Footy fans both on and off the field. His contribution can not be understated.’
Sports commentator Mat Thompson posted on X: ‘I’ve been lucky to work with some wonderful people over the decades. None better than the great Paul Vautin.
‘A genius on TV and a gentlemen off camera. Congrats on a stellar career Fat. Enjoy hanging with the family & strolling the fairways in retirement.’
Rugby league commentator Andrew Moore posted: ‘Paul Vautin was an outstanding player and premiership winning Captain. He coached QLD to state or origins most miraculous win. And also happens to be one of the best people I’ve ever met.
‘Not to mention 25 years hosting a successful TV show. What a career.’
Vautin hosted popular TV program The Footy Show for many years
Vautin, who won 11 Logie Awards with The Footy Show for Best Sports Program, made special mention of colleague Peter Sterling – saying he was the best footy commentator he worked with.
‘What really gives me joy though, is running into people to this day who say nice things about what we did,’ Vautin said.
‘It makes me quite emotional when I meet people, and it happens often, who say to me, “That show brought my family together”.
‘I remember meeting a guy recently who thanked me for the relationship that he and his dad had because they bonded over watching The Footy Show. And when you hear things like that, that it brought families together, and kept them together, that’s better than anything.’
