NRL Footy Show future uncertain

Rugby league institution The Footy Show could be on its last legs after the Nine Network announced a restructure of the program.

Long-time host Paul Vautin has reportedly been told he will be restricted to commentary duties in 2018, while he remains on contract with the network.

A new show in the same timeslot after Thursday night games will have a stronger rugby league focus and will be hosted by Erin Molan, according to Fairfax Media.

A Nine spokesman remained tight-lipped when questioned over the potential reshuffle on Tuesday, after the network announced on its website that the format and line-up would be “shaken up”.

“Nine will be broadcasting 23 Thursday night NRL games in 2018 and so the NRL Footy Show will have a new look and feel to reflect the games the audience have just enjoyed watching,” Nine said in a statement.

The announcement comes despite Nine broadcasting all Thursday night games in 2017 as a lead-in to The Footy Show.

It’s understood Nine’s Sunday Footy Show will remain unchanged, while the network will also introduce a football-focused Monday night show.

However it will likely mark the end of an era for the Thursday night show as it’s currently known.

It’s won 11 Logies since its debut in 1993.

However the show took a hit when former panellist Matthew Johns was sacked in 2009 after it was revealed he was involved in a group sex session while playing for Cronulla, and ratings dipped to just 80,000 in some weeks this year.

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