Brad Fittler will return to the Channel 9 commentary box for the State of Origin series opener tonight after apologising for an on-air blunder while calling an NRL game on the weekend.
During North Queensland’s win over the Rabbitohs on Sunday, Fittler dubbed Tom Chester “Chester the Molester” after the Cowboys centre bombed what appeared to be a certain try.
During the second half, the Cowboys played the ball inside their own 10 metre line and worked the ball through the hands to Cowboys centre Tom Chester, who dummied and used his speed to make a line break.
Chester dashed down the field and just had to pass to teammate Zac Laybutt for an easy try, but he got caught in two minds about how to get past Rabbitohs fullback Matt Dufty.
He tried to step past Dufty but threw a tough pass inside to Laybutt, but the bouncing ball was knocked on by Jaxon Purdue, and the chance for a length-of-the-field try went begging.
“Chester the Molester, he’s blown it,” Fittler said on Channel 9 in reaction to the bombed try.
Following the match, Fittler apologised to Chester and the Cowboys and also addressed his remark on Nine’s Today, saying: “I’ve got to send out an apology to Tom Chester.
“I had a slip up in commentary, and I’ve said my message to the Cowboys already. No hard feelings, I hope.”
While some NRL fans called for Fittler to be sanctioned by the free-to-air broadcaster, Channel 9 has opted to retain the NRL great as part of their Origin commentary team.
Nine’s Mat Thompson will call the action alongside Origin legends Cameron Smith and Andrew Johns.
Fittler will be joined by Darren Lockyer, Danika Mason, Phil Gould, Johnathan Thurston and as part of the sideline team.
While Andrew Voss will commentate the game on Kayo Sports, which will be available to watch as a replay beginning approximately 10.15pm AEST.
It is the first time he will call an Origin match, taking over from Warren Smith, who continues his recovery from laryngeal carcinoma in situ.
