NRL news: Paul Vautin heartbreaking news draws widespread praise, father died, reaction, video
The NRL world has praised rugby league icon Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin after he delivered a moving on-air tribute to his late father, George.
Vautin fronted Channel 9’s Friday night commentary despite his father passing away on Thursday morning.
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Before the Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs clash, Vautin took control at the start of the broadcast as he told the NRL world of his heartbreaking news.
“Rugby league lost one of its greatest fans yesterday – and that fan was my dad George Vautin, who passed away at 3.10am on Thursday morning,” he said.
“He loved his footy, he played footy in the 50s, he was a great fella.
“We had lunch on Monday and then Tuesday he fell ill. I actually witnessed his last breath at 3.10am on Thursday morning.
“I want to thank the staff at the Redcliffe Emergency Hospital, who are fantastic, and also the palliative care people, who are brilliant. Dad – we’re going to miss you. He was 95 by the way and I know his life was cut short but we’re grateful for every single minute that we spent with him.
“He was a great husband to Leila, a great father to Geoffrey, Deborah, Paul and Russell. Dad – rest in peace champion.”
The moving tribute left those watching on with a tear in their eyes as they praised Vautin for his incredible show of strength.
Horse racing analyst Chris Camilleri wrote: “How incredibly well did Paul Vautin just talk about the passing of his father just then on Channel 9.”
One user responded: “Sterlo recently said there were two versions. There was ‘Fatty Vautin’ that the public would see on TV. Away from the camera, there was Paul Vautin. Have met him a few times. He is the definition of a champion bloke and loved his parents.”
One added: “So professional and kept it together so well. The fact that he’s commenting on national TV is big from him too, big respect.”
The Friday night contest was a one-sided affair as the Rabbitohs ran riot over the Broncos, claiming the 32-6 victory.
Rabbitohs centre Campbell Graham continued to make his case to be included in the NSW Blues Origin side.
Graham scored a hat-trick, made 137m in 14 runs as well as making a line break, providing a line break assist and a try assist in as complete a performance as you’d ever want from a centre.
The 23-year-old has had a taste of representative football already, winning last years’ World Cup with Australia and fans are tipping him to pull on the Sky Blue jersey for the first time.
While the likes of Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic were expected to be shoo-ins, the Sea Eagles star has been far from his best form this year and Graham has been making a near irresistible case for NSW coach Brad Fittler.
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When he scored his third try, Andrew Voss screamed: “Campbell Graham, excuse me sir, what size blue jersey do you take?”
Cooper Cronk added: “That blue jersey is extra-large because he’s got his name written all over it.”
He later added that it was “one of the best games of his career”.
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