Danika Mason made the sad announcement on Friday morning that she won’t be back on the Today show in 2027 after her maternity leave. But she also revealed what it means for her future on Channel 9’s coverage of the NRL.
Mason has been on Today for the last two years, primarily reading the sport news. But she won’t return to the role in 2027 after having her first baby with former NRL player Liam Knight.
The 35-year-old said she won’t be able to juggle both of her TV roles with a new baby and “something had to give”. She told viewers on Friday morning: “I’m going on maternity leave as we probably are all aware, but I’ve had to make the decision on what I do when I come back next year.
“And obviously juggling all my NRL commitments, the Today show, and then a new baby as well – something had to give, so I’ve made the pretty tough decision. When I return next year, I won’t be coming back to the show.”
Friday was Mason’s last shift on Today. “We are going to miss you and the viewers are going to miss you even more, I know that,” said host Tom Steinfort. Sylvia Jeffreys added: “The best chapter for you lies ahead, for you and Liam, and we’re so excited to see you enter your mum era. You’re going to be absolutely incredible. That is a lucky little baby.”
Danika Mason to return to NRL coverage in 2027
Thankfully for NRL fans, Mason revealed she’ll return to the footy coverage in 2027. The popular host and presenter has been doing that role for over a decade and is widely adored by Channel 9’s NRL audience.
“I’ll see you in March next year for the footy,” Mason said. Jeffreys replied: “Rugby league will be back in no time, and so will you.”
Danika Mason will return to Channel 9’s NRL coverage. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Mason’s maternity leave has started one week early on “doctor’s orders”. She said: “We are so excited but it’s also so sad to close a chapter as well. It’s been two years with an incredible team, everyone works so hard. It was a decision that I toyed with, to and fro, backflipped here and there.”
Steinford said: “Selfishly, we thought we had the pleasure of your company for another week or so, but on doctor’s orders, you have been told to hang up the microphone early, and we are very excited for what’s best for you.”