Network Nine have denied that Erin Molan has been relegated to the sidelines after a reported ‘feud’ with Andrew Johns.
In a statement to Sunday Confidential, Channel Nine spokeswoman Vic Buchan called the talk, ‘clearly another beat up about Erin’ referring to claims she was sidelined during Grand Final coverage.
She told the paper: ‘Erin hosted the first three hours of the (grand final) coverage on the day from the ground and did all the post-show interviews with the families of the winning teams.’
On Saturday, Channel 9 denied that Erin Molan (pictured) has been relegated to the sidelines after reported ‘feud’ with Andrew Johns
It comes after Nine were accused of running a ‘boys club’ over their NRL Grand Final coverage earlier this month.
Veteran journalist Molan had reportedly clashed with NRL immortal Andrew Johns in the week leading up to the match, according to TV insiders.
Viewers noticed the two appeared to stay as far away from each other as possible during pre and post game coverage.
Molan remained on the sidelines while Johns was invited onto the panel before Sydney Roosters’ controversial win over the Canberra Raiders.
He too appeared to be reporting from the field during after the match.
In a statement to Sunday Confidential, Channel Nine spokeswoman Vic Buchan said: ‘Erin hosted the first three hours of the (grand final) coverage on the day from the ground and did all the post-show interviews with the families of the winning teams’
It comes after Nine were accused of running a ‘boys club’ over their NRL Grand Final coverage earlier this month. Instead of working the panel Erin Molan (pictured) was interviewing players on the sidelines
From the sidelines, Molan interviewed exhausted players as well as friends and family, including Roosters captain Boyd Cordner’s dad and partner.
Prior to the game she and NRL legend Darren Lockyer hosted pre-game coverage, and Molan was also tasked with hosting the State Championship Grand Final.
Despite her significant involvement prior to the big game, social media users lamented the network’s decision not to include her in the main game panel.
They claim it appeared the network had reverted to a ‘boys club’ by removing Molan from the equation.
The 2019 NRL telecast opened with NRL Immortal Andrew Johns (right) on the panel but Erin Molan was missing after reports of a feud
‘Where is Erin Molan during tonight’s NRL coverage?,’ one Twitter user asked.
‘Boys club… again.’
Another said he had switched stations to get fairer reporting.
‘Channel 9 is a boys club, and you rarely get an impartial call from them. I typically watch Fox League during the season, much better callers.’
Molan split responsibilities equally with the Grand Final panel host, James Bracey, and Nine previously told Daily Mail Australia no changes were made to their hosting plans amid rumours of a feud between two of their biggest stars.
Veteran journalist Molan had reportedly clashed with NRL immortal Andrew Johns (pictured) in the week leading up to the match, according to TV insiders
Johns reportedly told Channel 9 sport bosses months ago he no longer wanted to share a studio with Molan and he still felt the same way leading into the finals.
‘He just doesn’t like working with her,’ a television source told Daily Mail Australia.
That source said Johns’ biggest gripes were that Molan giggled and spoke over him and other Nine personalities when they were talking about football.
‘Joey is a stubborn bastard,’ the source said. ‘If somewhere along the line she’s p***ed him off he’ll probably carry it around for the rest of his life.’
Daily Mail Australia understands Johns point-blank refused requests by the Nine publicity department to put his name to gushing statements supporting Molan.
Johns reportedly told Channel 9 sport bosses months ago he no longer wanted to share a studio with Molan and he still felt the same way leading into the finals
He also told the network he would not pretend he had no problem with her.
Johns has been frustrated that Nine executives were unwilling during the NRL season to address his concerns about Molan, the first source said.
Molan has been commended both by colleagues and fans for her decision to continue fronting the cameras after years of trolling.
‘Erin Molan you were incredible. A study in resilience and bravery,’ one fan said.
Legendary NRL commentator Ray Warren also defended Molan. He said everybody should continue to support women in broadcasting.
Molan has been commended both by colleagues and fans for her decision to continue fronting the cameras after years of trolling
The Hall of Fame broadcaster said he was disappointed with how the feud was handled.
‘I’m friends with both and rate them very highly. I’m surprised and a bit disappointed how it’s played out all week,’ he told the Daily Telegraph.
‘Some of the ex-players are old school and they mightn’t have the discretion that they should have.
‘It could have been handled differently. Giving women an equal opportunity in the media, politics and everything is important, and Erin is very good at her job.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Network Nine for comment.
Legendary NRL commentator Ray Warren says he is disappointed by how badly the feud has been handled