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Michael Slater quits NRL Footy Show

Michael Slater is out of the NRL Footy Show after three seasons, to focus on cricketing commitments.

2015-01-26_2151Michael Slater is out of the NRL Footy Show after three seasons, but remains with the network for cricketing commitments.

“I have loved my three years on the Footy Show, but cricket has always been my top priority and with so much on our schedule this year, I just can’t give the Footy Show the commitment it requires,” he told News Corp.

Slater recently signed a new three-year contract with Nine to coincide with the network’s cricket TV contract.

Executive producer Glenn Pallister said Slater had helped lift the show’s stakes with female viewers, now comprising 45% of their audience.

“My aim is to go 50/50 and to attract more kids. Slats is a terrific bloke who will always be a part of The Footy Show family,” he said.

“We owe him a huge thanks for his work here over the last three seasons.”

14 Responses

  1. Although I lik Slats, he didn’t really bring much to the show, so he wont be missed to much. They need to get rid of Beau Ryan, who is just not funny at all and get Matty Johns back.

    Bring back the Biff!!!!

  2. The show was at its peak back in 03/04 Fatty, Sterlo, Mario, The Chief, Reg Reagan… It was very entertaining and I enjoyed as a AFL fan as we get the show here before the AFL version, haven’t bothered to watch in years…

  3. I always had a feeling he and Fatty didn’t get on. I guess it pays to be friends with the boss of channel 9 as no doubt the show will be built around Beau Ryan now.

  4. I think he was put there to match what afl footy show had in james brayshaw an all round sports guy covering multiple sports and sport shows for nine.But I totally agree he never looked comfortable and his only link with nrl was he lived and supported manly. Now please fox nrl get rid of matt shirvington.

  5. It seemed that towards the end of last year he became less involved in the hosting of the show. So I’m not overly surprised. It’s great news. I don’t mind him but it never made sense to have a cricketer hosting a footy show.

    The show has definitely become more family friendly, and I’d suggest that having Erin Molan as a host has been instrumental in boosting female viewership, along with Beau Ryan’s segments.

    The earlier start (8.30) has been much more suitable but perhaps an earlier time of 7.30 would be ideal to increase younger viewer numbers. Oh and please footy show, could you tighten up some of the segments. At times the show does seem to drag on but overall much improved compared to previous years!

  6. I always found Slats a bit awkward on The Footy Show and couldn’t understand why he was there – seems it was for the female audience.

    I’d suggest that Beau Ryan and segments like “Perfect Partners” would have done more to increase their female audience than Slats.

    I think The Footy Show is probably on a bit too late to attract more kids…?

  7. Good! I never understood why Slats was part of the Footy Show team…..where does this all come from anyway? Does he have history with a football team or was he just dumped in this slot as an extra.

  8. Not before time either, why was he there? Fatty Vautin is the heart and soul of that show. Some of us might return, some might not. Now if we can only get rid of him and the other non-stop talkfest hosts off the cricket schedule

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