Rugby league Immortal Wally Lewis is ready to finish his 24-year run as Nine News sports activities presenter, revealing well being points have compelled him to step again.
TV Blackbox reported that the Queensland Origin legend would hand over his presenting duties “effective immediately”.
The report says Lewis “will not return to the studio in 2023, but will remain with the network”.
Lewis has labored for Channel 9 since becoming a member of the community in 1999 after a brief stint on Channel 7.
“My health has made decisions for me in the past so it’s my turn to make decisions for my health,” Lewis mentioned.
“While I’ll take more of a back seat role in the studio, 9 News viewers can still expect me to keep them up-to-date on the highs and lows of local and international sport, and of course share my weekly NRL tips.”
Despite paring again his work necessities, Nine has been in negotiations to maintain him within the Nine “family”, and he gained’t be fully retiring simply but.
“Beyond 9 News, I’ll continue to call WWOS home, and there are some special Nine programs in the pipeline that I’m also ready to tackle alongside my ongoing involvement with the QRL and FOGS (Former Origin Greats),” he mentioned.
“It’s safe to say that no two weeks in my calendar will look the same this year, which is what I’m looking forward to most.”
Nine Queensland director of News Amanda Paterson mentioned whereas he is probably not on-screen as a lot any extra, he would proceed to work behind the scenes.
“The King is well and truly here to stay. He continues to live up to being a legend on and off the field, and whether he is on the newsdesk or not, viewers will still get to welcome the Wally they know and love into their living rooms,” Paterson mentioned.
“Wally is such an integral member of our newsroom and we are privileged to have him on our team. His health is and has always been our priority, so we are proud of him for making the call to put himself first.”
Lewis has had well being points involving his mind prior to now and lived with epilepsy all through his profession.
He additionally had surgical procedure on his mind after a seizure whereas studying the news in 2006.
But talking to News.com.au earlier this month, Lewis mentioned he didn’t remorse something about his rugby league profession.
“We have this little tag in rugby league where they call rugby league ‘the greatest game of all’, and it was an absolute thrill and absolute privilege to play that game,” Lewis continued.
“But for a lot of guys, they wish that they could have done so without suffering severe head knocks.
“But it’s part of the game and there may be some guys that are a little bit angry with the outcome of their career. But to be honest, ask us if we change anything in the game and they’d all say we won’t change a thing.”
Lewis additionally revealed his 92-year-old father had dementia, calling for folks to debate their needs for his or her funerals with their households.
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
