Beau Ryan's classic response to Footy Show axing

Beau Ryan has issued a typically tongue-in-cheek statement after the NRL Footy Show was axed after 25 years on air.

Channel Nine released a statement on Tuesday confirming the show, first aired in 1994 with Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin as host, had been cancelled.

“It’s been an incredible ride for The Footy Show,” Nine’s sport director Tom Malone said.

“A quarter of a century of laughs, controversy and first-class footy analysis.”

Ryan took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to address the news.

“Thanks 4 the memories, & if anyone needs me I’ll be halfway up the Centrelink queue,” Ryan tweeted alongside a photo of Vautin, Erin Molan and Darryl Brohman.

The long-running Thursday night program attempted to reinvent itself this season under new presenter Molan.

Despite Vautin’s controversial axing, the founding host was hailed as a central figure in the show’s longevity.

“Fatty holds the record for the longest-serving host of any prime time Australian TV show – a tribute to both his understanding of the game, his authenticity, and not to mention his incredible comedic timing,” Malone said.

The broadcaster confirmed Molan would return to cover rugby league, netball, tennis and cricket as part of their Wide World of Sports team.

“Erin is a star and a great broadcaster,” Malone said.

“She’s going to take an even more prominent role on Nine’s sports broadcasts going forward.”

with AAP