Nine has revealed it will not be renewing the NRL Footy Show for next year, effectively ending the popular sports program's 25-year run.
The network has indicated that the decision to axe the long-running show was based around a new approach towards the coverage of rugby league in 2019.
"It’s been an incredible ride for The Footy Show. A quarter of a century of laughs, controversy and first-class footy analysis," Nine director of sports Tom Malone says.
"I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this amazing era of live sports-entertainment television – from producers, editors, camera operators, the players, guests and of course the legendary hosts."
Earlier this year, long-time host Paul 'Fatty' Vautin exited the show to assume a role within Nine's NRL commentary team.
Nine also confirmed that Footy Show presenter Erin Molan will be joining the Wide World of Sports team to help lead the coverage of rugby league, netball, tennis and cricket.
According to Nine, the network will launch a new rugby league coverage strategy in 2019, including two new post-match shows to follow Thursday Night Football and Friday Night Football, with a strong emphasis on being at the ground, and interacting with players, fans and coaches.
"Fatty holds the record for the longest-serving host of any prime time Australian TV show – a tribute to both his understanding of the game, his authenticity, and not to mention his incredible comedic timing. In recent years, Erin has equally brought a new energy, perspective and showed her passion for the game," Malone added.
In October last year, Nine refuted claims that it was planning on axing the show ahead of the 2018 NRL season, which wrapped up this weekend, as the Sydney Roosters defeated the Melbourne Storm 21-6.
This year, The Footy Show hosting panel underwent a reshuffle, featuring hosts Molan and former rugby league players Ryan Girdler and Andrew Johns.
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