Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin makes shock call to retire from TV after 33 years of broadcasting: ‘I’ve run out of petrol’

NRL funny man Paul Vautin has announced his retirement from television, bringing to an end a 33-year broadcasting career with Channel 9.

The 65-year-old 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. 

‘The players are unbelievable, but there are things about it now that irritate me, like the six again and dropouts that are contested. I don’t want to become that cranky old guy who complains about a sport that made him what he is.

‘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.’

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.

After Vautin’s time with The Footy Show wrapped up, he became a regular in the Wide World of Sports commentary team. 

‘What really gives me joy though, is running into people to this day who say nice things about what we did,’ Vautin said.

Vautin made special mention of longtime colleague Peter Sterling (pictured)

The Manly great said he made his mind up towards the end of the NRL season

Vautin hosted popular TV program The Footy Show for many years

 ‘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.’

Nine’s acting CEO, Matt Stanton, called Vautin an icon of Australian television.

‘After an outstanding playing career he forged a stellar path here at Nine, and we’re truly proud and thankful for what he has achieved,’ he said.

‘He has been a major part in forging our successful and long standing partnership with the NRL and the passionate fans of the game with his cheeky, yet passionate takes that have resonated so broadly. 

‘We wish him all the best in retirement and will continue to celebrate what he has accomplished for the business.’