Phil Gould's touching response to sad Paul Vautin news as Peter ...

NRL supremo Phil Gould and long-time The Footy Show co-host Darryl Brohman have both delivered touching tributes to Paul 'Fatty' Vautin after news the TV icon was retiring after 33 years. Vautin stunned Aussie fans having announced after 33 years of appearing as a Footy Show host, analyst and commentator for rugby league he would be calling it a day on Channel Nine.

Vautin is a much-loved figure on Australian television with his humour a hallmark of his 23 years on The Footy Show. The successful NRL show won 11 Logie Awards during his time as co-host with Peter Sterling, Brohman and others before it ended in 2017.

NRL supremo Phil Gould (pictured right) has sent a message to Paul 'Fatty' Vautin (pictured far left) after news of his retirement as 'Fatty's' recent comments about Peter Sterling have come back to light. (Getty Images)

And tributes have been pouring in for the Aussie personality for his role in shaping the NRL and Aussie television. And one touching tribute has come from former coaching rival, turned media colleague, Gould. The legendary NSW coach is one of the state's greatest ever, but found himself on the losing side in 1995 when Vautin took over the Queensland team and one what is considered one of the great upsets in rugby league.

Gould took to social media and praised Vautin for his humour, entertaining manner but most importantly his football brain. The NRL supremo claimed Vautin was able to make NRL footy fun, which was part of his huge success as an entertainer and commentator.

Channel Nine commentators Paul Vautin (pictured left) and Peter Sterling (pictured right) were on air together for more than 20 years with Channel Nine.

"One of a kind. I’ve always said about Paul, that it takes a smart man to play the fool...Paul had the smart football brain, but was able to entertain the masses with his humour and unique personality," Gould wrote. "

"He made football fun. Through the Channel 9 Footy Show and his individual commentary style, Fatty sold our game to millions of people over the years. An outstanding career as a representative class player, Manly Premiership winning Captain, legend State of Origin Coach, Prime Time TV show host, outstanding commentator, comedian, genuine true-blue Aussie. Well done Fat...Best wishes to you and your family for many happy years ahead."

Brohman appeared alongside Vautin on the The Footy Show towards the end of their role. And Brohman 'The Big Marn' offered Vautin some kind words after saying goodbye to his TV family after 33 years.

What can I say about Paul Vautin that hasn’t already been said. He is the most natural talent I have seen on TV. Smart Loyal Funny and a great friend. I will never forget what he has done for me and my Family. Enjoy retirement mate. What an amazing talent. What an amazing career

— Darryl Brohman OAM (@therealbigmarn) December 1, 2024

Vautin thanked all those he had worked with in his long career on television with the Manly great admitting he was fortunate to have been a part of the NRL world for so long. "I've been incredibly fortunate to work with so many talented people over the years, and I've had the pleasure of connecting with some of the most passionate sports fans in the country," he said.

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"It's been an absolute privilege to be part of and I'm grateful for every moment. I'll miss the laughs, the banter, and of course, the incredible athletes, commentators and the Channel 9 family that I've been lucky enough to work with for over three decades."

Darryl Brohman, Beau Ryan, Erin Molan and Paul Vautin pose with the Logie Award.

Only months before his shock retirement, Vautin appeared on Freddy and the Eighth podcast with fellow Channel Nine analysts Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns. And when asked who was the biggest influence on his television career, Vautin said former rugby league rival and now long-time friend Sterling was who he turned to at the start.

"Peter Sterling stands out. I played against Peter for 10 or 11 years, I had a lot of respect for him as a rugby league player, he is one of our greatest ever...I knew what a great player he was, but I didn't know him as a person," Vautin said earlier this year.

"And over the years I got to know him as a person and he is as good as they come. He is a fantastic dude. And he helped me out a lot. The show could meander along and go down a really bad path if I was hosting. He would always be the one that would reel it back into where it was suppose to go. He was fantastic."

Sterling retired from commentary in 2021 and Vautin sent a message to his friend after so many years together reshaping NRL footy on air. "The great man Peter Sterling is retiring from working at Channel Nine and the world is much sadder for that," Vautin said in his tribute to his friend.

Paul "Fatty" Vautin (pictured left) only recently praised friend and fellow commentator Peter Sterling (pictured right) for the influence he had on his TV careeer.

"I hope that one day, and I really do, he should be talked about as an Immortal because he is that good. He set the bar for colour commentators. He's always maintained his dignity because he never crosses either line."He's straight down the middle, so professional - the only one person to do that, Peter Sterling.

"As a friend, he's rock-solid. We never had one bad word between us in 30 years, not one." While there was plenty of hosts of The Footy Show over the years, Vautin and Sterling became synonymous with the program in their 11 years as hosts together. Only last week, Vautin was inducted into the Queensland Hall of Fame for his achievements as a player and coach.