Paul Vautin’s VERY surprising call on who will replace him at Channel 9: ‘He knows the game inside out’
NRL icon Paul Vautin has predicted that Cameron Smith will become the next great footy broadcaster, following the rugby league cult hero’s shock decision to quit his television career.
One of Australian television’s most beloved personalities, Vautin recently announced his retirement from TV, bringing to an end a remarkable 33-year broadcasting career with Channel 9.
Vautin, who has worked alongside Smith for the past few NRL seasons, says the former Storm superstar is destined for big things in broadcasting.
‘Cameron’s going to be one of our all-time great callers. He knows the game inside out,’ Vautin told Yahoo Sport Australia.
‘Sterlo was really good at dissecting a game as is Gus (Gould), but Cameron is right up there as far as his knowledge of the game.
‘He was obviously one of the greatest players we have ever seen and sees things before others do. He’s made a very easy transition from player to commentator and has been a really good addition to the commentary team.
Paul Vautin has predicted that Cameron Smith will become the next great footy broadcaster
Vautin says Smith (pictured) is ‘going to be one of our all-time great callers’
‘He’s great to work alongside and likes to have a laugh as well. He will only get better over time and will be right up there (with the best) when it’s all over.’
Last week, Vautin revealed that he will never work another day in his life after announcing his retirement.
Footy fans hoped the larrikin commentator would continue doing other media work following his shock announcement, but the NRL icon has now ruled it out.
‘I will never work again. I am done. I’m not looking for work,’ the Manly great told SEN radio on Tuesday.
‘I don’t want to do anything. Not radio, not podcasts. I don’t want to do anything. I’m happy.’
Vautin, who lives on the Gold Coast, says he’s very happy just spending time at home relaxing.
‘I can spend a whole day on my own and be happy with myself,’ he said.
‘Sometimes I read, go for a walk or mow the grass. I’m very happy in my own company.’
Vautin has worked alongside Smith for a few years and is convinced about his skills
Vautin announced his retirement recently, bringing to an end a 33-year broadcasting career with Channel 9
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.
He revealed the exact moment he knew it was time to walk away from his job.
‘Something changed this year. I’d be driving up in three hours of traffic on a Friday afternoon going ‘oh my god what am I doing?’ he said.
‘In the end I just felt as though I’d rather be at home watching the footy on a Friday night than working on it.
‘I still love the game immensely but I just thought ‘you know what I think I’m done’.
‘There was one particular moment when the Brisbane Broncos were playing the Roosters on a Friday night at Suncorp and look it was a pretty good game, I was commentating with Joey and we were having a good time.
‘Then 20 minutes into the second half I was looking out at the field going, ‘Oh my god I am so bored’.
‘I drove home thinking wow that had never happened before and I knew then it was the beginning of the end.’
