NRL presenter caught up in SECOND embarrassing moment on live television this season – and broadcast heavyweight was not impressed

An NRL television presenter has been involved in an embarrassing on-air gaffe before the Newcastle Knights big win over the Dolphins, just weeks after receiving an apology for another awkward moment.  

Fox League presenter Eloise Sohier had a moment she would want to take back after appearing to completely forget she was live on air.

Sohier was interviewing Dolphins prop Tom Gilbert on live television before the match when she incorrectly referred to fellow forward Mark Nicholls as “Matt Nicholls”.

Realising her error, the reporter turned to her camera operator and asked if they could “start again”.

This was obviously not possible because it was a live feed, with the camera operator covering the lens with their hand as Sohier kept repeatedly apologising. 

Fox Sports then cut back to the studio and a very unimpressed-looking Lara Pitt.

‘All right just technical difficulties there with Tom Gilbert,’ Pitt said, after letting out a frustrated sigh.

‘Was that your fault Kevvie?’ former NRL star Michael Ennis quipped to Kevin Walters.

‘I’ve thrown everyone out mate,’ Walters replied to diffuse the situation as the panel laughed. 

Many fans joked that Sohier was at Fox Sports for work experience, or was a new hire by the media giant.

However she has worked for the network in different presenting capacities since 2017. 

It is also the second time Sohier has been involved in an embarrassing moment on live television at a footy game this season, although the first incident was not her fault.  

Parramatta Eels forward Joe Ofahengaue was directed by the club to apologise to Sohier following an incident during a sideline interview during the NRL trials.

Sohier was interviewing Zac Lomax before the Eels’ NRL trial match against the Knights in Newcastle. 

Although Lomax was not playing, he was present for the interview when Ofahengaue, who had just completed his warm-up, walked past in the background. 

He then turned back, approached Lomax from behind, and pulled his shorts down – a prank commonly referred to as ‘dacking.’

Lomax was wearing underwear and was not fully exposed, but he appeared visibly embarrassed. 

The moment unfolded in front of Sohier and a live audience, including children in the crowd.

Parramatta officials responded quickly, instructing Ofahengaue to apologise to Sohier. According to News Corp, the incident was not well received within the club. 

General manager of football Mark O’Neill took immediate action, requesting Ofahengaue to personally reach out to Sohier to apologise.

Parramatta CEO Jim Sarantinos also contacted Fox Sports managing director Steve Crawley to formally apologise for the incident. 

Meanwhile Newcastle has been dealt a backrow blow, with English international Kai Pearce-Paul facing a ban of at least two matches for his shoulder charge on Daniel Saifiti.

The Knights second-rower was sin-binned in the second half of Newcastle’s 26-12 win over the Dolphins on Friday night, after his shoulder collected Saifiti’s head.

The incident initially went unnoticed on field, before it was picked up by the bunker.

The Dolphins did not receive a penalty, and failed to make use of the one-man advantage as any hope of a late comeback was snuffed out.

The match review committee on Friday deemed the hit as a shoulder charge and not a high tackle, given Pearce-Paul’s lack of attempt to wrap his arm in the contact.

The more serious charge means will miss games against Gold Coast and Canterbury with an early guilty.

If he attempts to fight the charge and loses, Pearce-Paul would also miss Newcastle’s round-six clash with Wests Tigers.