NRL great poised to replace controversial radio host Marty Sheargold who was sacked after ‘disgraceful’ Matildas rant
Former Roosters star and media personality Bryan Fletcher has emerged at the centre of a heated tug of war between two of Australia’s biggest radio networks, Triple M and SEN.
Fletcher, known for his wit and larrikin charm, has built a strong reputation in sports media since hanging up his boots in 2007.
Currently a regular on SEN, where he gives valuable insights into footy discussions, Fletch is being courted by Triple M with talk he may replace Marty Sheargold, reports News Corp.
Sheargold, 53, was sensationally axed following comments he made about the Matildas in February.
Triple M was faced with an advertiser boycott which threatened to cost the radio station an eye-watering amount of cash in the wake of his ‘sexist and disgusting’ rant.
Following the Matildas recent loss to USA, Marty told listeners ‘there’s something wrong with the Matildas’ before he compared the team’s attitude to ‘Year 10 girls’.
Bryan Fletcher has emerged at the centre of a heated tug of war between two of Australia’s biggest radio networks
There’s reports that Fletcher might even replace controversial host Marty Sheargold
He then suggestively asked whether superstar striker Sam Kerr and her fiancée Kristie Mewis ‘play the same position’.
Fletcher has declined to comment on the reports, but SEN boss Craig Hutchison says he hoping the former footy star will stay put.
‘Fletch is part of the family at SEN,’ Hutchison told The Daily Telegraph.
‘He’s been here since we started in Sydney.
‘He’s part of a very successful drive program with Joel and we’re hopeful he’ll stay.’
Fletcher’s Drive show, that he hosts with Joel Caine, is the highest rating program on the network.
Earlier this month, Triple M host Natarsha Belling sensationally she was leaving her breakfast radio show with co-hosts Beau Ryan and Aaron Woods just six weeks after it launched.
The presenter wished her colleagues all the best in her shock statement and revealed she was offered another job with LiSTNER podcast The Briefing.
Veteran presenter Marty Sheargold was sensationally axed following comments he made about the Matildas in February
‘Thrilled to announce I’ve been offered an amazing new opportunity to join the team @thebriefingpodcast for the Afternoon edition,’ she wrote on Instagram.
‘We are living in one of the most dynamic news cycles in history, from cost of living to Donald Trump to Chinese warships off our coast.
‘This new gig perfectly aligns with my passion for journalism and the exciting new frontier of the podcast world.’
She added: ‘It also allows me to continue with my commitments for The National News at Noon on Channel 7, which I absolutely love.
‘Unfortunately, it means I will farewell @triplembreakfast. I wish Beau, Woodsy and Cat all the very best for the future and thank our loyal listeners for their support.’
