'So sad': League world in shock over Peter Sterling bombshell
Rugby league fans have been left shocked and saddened at the news Peter Sterling is set to quit his commentary role with Channel Nine.
The Parramatta Eels legend has been a mainstay of rugby league commentary in Australia for the last 27 years, following a career that saw him regarded as one of the best halfbacks of all time.
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According to The Daily Telegraph, Sterling is set to depart Channel Nine at the end of the current season after informing colleagues and the network about his decision.
With legendary fellow caller Ray Warren also close to hanging up the microphone after admitting that he came close to retiring in 2020, Sterling's departure is set to usher in a new era for Channel Nine's rugby league commentary team.
Sterling won four premierships with Parramatta as a player, before forging a career in the media, where he worked alongside fellow great Paul 'Fatty' Vautin on league's The Footy Show over two decades.
His decision to step aside is reportedly centred around paving the way for the younger brigade of commentators at the network to step up - including Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Paul Gallen.
NRL Immortal Wally Lewis is reportedly unlikely to have his contract renewed and rugby league host Erin Molan is off contract at the end of 2021.
Channel 9 is yet to comment on the situation, with the futures of league greats Johnathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer and Vautin also unclear in what shapes as a new-look broadcast team for the network.
Peter Sterling hailed after legendary career
Viewed by many as one of most astute and articulate minds in the game, Sterling's impending retirement has left fans saddened.
Social media has lit up with reaction to news of his impending exit, with Sterling flooded with messages of support from the league world.
Such a legend, it's sad the usual legends are retiring, just wouldn't be the same without Peter Sterling and Ray Warren commentating once they retire 😢 I also miss the footy show back in the day.
— Aleksandar K (@ace_lfc) August 8, 2021
Sterlo is the best Ch9 has… their coverage will be much poorer without his sterling analysis. No one reads the game like him, he is intelligent, unbiased, funny and has no ego. Simply brilliant. #NRL
— Paul Kneeshaw (@Stick_Beetle) August 8, 2021
Peter Sterling’s also very underrated in radio, because of his ability to paint the picture. I’d like to think he remains involved in that medium in some capacity?
— NRL CONSPIRACIES 🤔👀🏉 (@NrlConspiracies) August 8, 2021
This bloke should have been a immortal way before Johns.. I personally will miss his commentary..
— Romac64 (@Rodmac1964) August 8, 2021
No no no no!!!!! Say it isn’t so!!!!! Give him how every much money he wants!!! #petersterling can’t quit #nrl commentating!!!!!!!! @NRLonNine @Channel9
— the conservative hippy (@con_hippy) August 8, 2021
Sad. Very sad. But he’s been horribly under utilised by Channel 9 in the last 5 or so years. All the best in retirement Pete!
— Daniel Aquilina (@dantheracer99) August 8, 2021
All the best to Sterlo. He is one of the few on both Fox and Nine you would feed - streets ahead of the pack. He will be missed big time.
— max (@max96496488) August 9, 2021
@wwos A shame. really like Sterlo as a commentator.
— Sharon McKay🌼 (@WingedCharm) August 8, 2021
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