Channel 9 has stunned viewers by snubbing former NSW Blues captain Paul Gallen from their State of Origin III coverage on Wednesday night.
Code Sports revealed Gallen is doing corporate gigs at Suncorp Stadium, but has been omitted from the broadcaster’s commentary team.
The reason behind the decision to oust the 2016 Origin-winning captain remains unclear, and news.com.au has approached Channel 9 for comment.
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Many fans on social media were quick to criticise the move from Channel 9, with The League Scene saying: “Curiously, will not be featuring in tonight’s Origin coverage.
“Despite being the most capped NSW captain of all time and a regular on Nine’s coverage — and being at Suncorp Stadium for the match – Gallen will not be featuring pre, during or post match.”
While Shannon added: “Give us Gallen over Gus (Phil Gould) any day.”
SuthoBrian reacted: “Because 9 would rather show Joey (Andrew Johns) sulking in the commentary box all night.”
And Tedles reacted: “Oh no, what a shame.”
But others were in favour of the brutal move as Homer Wells replied: “Maybe they thought it would be a bad omen? Among the losingest NSW players of all time.”
And Aotesam said: “Get rid of all of them and just give us Fox coverage please.”
The controversial decision comes after Channel 9 were criticised earlier in the Origin series for two awkward moments involving Phil Gould.
The ex-Blues coach, 68, turned the mood rather frosty during the opening Origin game of the 2026 series.
And he managed a similar feat during the second game on Wednesday after a pointed comment towards the Blues camp.
He said: “Tonight’s not the night to be looking at selection.
“And I’ve got some advice for them, stop listening to advice… stop taking advice.”
The remark was met by an eerie silence across the studio as legends Brad Fittler and Darren Lockyer were left speechless.
On the field in Origin III, the Blues made a hugely impressive start in Origin III as they raced into an 18-0 lead, inspired by a superb Nathan Cleary performance.