Danika Mason's brave move for NRL grand final after engagement called off
The popular Channel 9 presenter has once again fronted up to the cameras despite some personal heartbreak.
Danika Mason has made her return to TV for the first time since her engagement to fiance Todd Liubinskas was called off just weeks before their wedding. Mason fronted up and hosted the Sunday Footy Show as part of Channel 9's coverage of the NRL grand final.
The popular presenter is going through some personal turmoil, but managed to put on a brave face on Sunday and got on with the job. Many could have forgiven Mason for shying away from the cameras amid the heartbreaking time, but the 30-year-old showed her professionalism to continue her duties for Channel 9.
'DISAPPOINTING TO SEE': Cliff Lyons' revelation about Latrell Mitchell
'GOT TO BE BETTER': Reece Walsh cops clip over incident with fan
She also made her regular appearance on the 'Immortal Behaviour' podcast earlier this week, and managed to crack a joke at Andrew Johns' expense. Mason also fronted up for work in front of a national audience last weekend, before the news of the engagement being cancelled became public knowledge.
The 30-year-old had been wearing her diamond engagement ring all season, with a number of photos on social media showing it proudly displayed on her finger. But last Friday night during Channel 9's coverage of the Panthers and Warriors preliminary final clash, the ring was conspicuously missing.
In light of the news that Mason and Liubinskas had called off their wedding, many pointed out the fact that Mason wasn't wearing the ring during a post-match interview with Stephen Crichton. “I’ve come all the way up into stands because Stephen Crichton has quite the support around him,” Mason said as she spoke to the Panthers star and his family.
Just 24 hours later, Mason was leading Nine's pre-game coverage of the Broncos and Warriors game - and once again the ring was missing. Mason's ability to front up for work and put on a brave face in front of hundreds of thousands of TV viewers around Australia should be commended. She will do the same again on Sunday night for Nine's coverage of the NRL grand final between the Panthers and Broncos.
Danika Mason 'beyond devastated' over wedding cancellation
Those close to Mason have described her as “beyond devastated” and “completely heartbroken” at the relationship breakdown. An ex-partner of Liubinskas has since told the Daily Mail: “I can only hope that Danika hasn’t been blindsided like I was or going through something similar. My heart goes out to her if she was.”
The Daily Mail has also reported that Liubiunskas organised a third party to contact Mason and told her to "immediately" return the engagement ring he gave her when he popped the question in 2021. "(The third party) insisted she doesn't discuss the split publicly to the media and asked her to return the ring," the Mail quoted an 'insider close to Mason'.
Liubinskas reportedly wants the ring back because it's considered a "family heirloom". It is reportedly a custom piece designed by Sydney jeweller Sam Rahme, who also designs the NRL premiership rings presented to the grand final-winning players. Mason and Liubinskaswere set to tie the knot on October 27 at Greystone Estate in the NSW Hunter Valley.
Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.
