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'Didn't like it': NRL journo's radio walk-out amid Erin Molan dramas

Erin Molan and Andrew Johns, pictured here in their time at Channel Nine.
Erin Molan and Andrew Johns reportedly had a nasty falling out at Channel Nine. Image: Getty

Rugby league journalist Phil Rothfield has revealed he walked out on a 2GB radio segment in 2019 after a spray from Daryl Brohman over a story he'd written about Erin Molan and Andrew Johns.

Molan and Johns reportedly had an ugly falling out in 2019, with claims circulating that Johns had refused to work with Molan on Channel Nine's NRL broadcasts.

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Johns reportedly walked out on his role on Friday night football because he didn't want to work alongside Molan anymore, while the Newcastle Knights legend also walked away from his role on the Thursday night Footy Show in 2018 after Molan replaced Paul Vautin as host.

Johns only returned to the Sunday Footy Show this year, coinciding with Molan's decision to leave Channel Nine to take up a role at Sky News.

This week, veteran journalist Rothfield revealed he walked out before a segment on 2GB radio in 2019 after Brohman ripped into him about the Molan-Johns reports.

Speaking on the Daily Telegraph's NRL podcast, Rothfield said Brohman - who worked with Molan at Channel Nine - gave him a serve before they went to air.

“I had history at 2GB, I stormed out and dropped the headset one day,” Rothfield said.

“I had done a story on Erin Molan and Andrew Johns’ refusal to work together.

“It became quite a major story and Darryl Brohman didn’t like it.

“Just as we are about to go on-air he gave it to me and it was quite heavy. So I took the headset off and walked out.”

When asked about his current relationship with Brohman, Rothfield said: “He is a former member of our coffee club”.

Rothfield was speaking in reaction to Anthony Moroon's walk-out on Triple M radio on Sunday over ribbing from fellow commentators.

Darrly Brohman, Erin Molan and Paul Vautin in 2015. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
Darrly Brohman, Erin Molan and Paul Vautin in 2015. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Erin Molan and Andrew Johns' reported rift

Molan copped a raft of criticism from fans in the aftermath of the Johns reports, sparking a number of high-profile names to speak out in support of her.

“The current trolling of Erin Molan is disgusting & makes me embarrassed to be part of social media,” Supercars reporter Riana Crehan wrote on Twitter.

“The horrific comments are totally inexcusable. Ez is the most brilliant human, broadcaster & mentor & what she has done away from TV goes beyond what many will ever dream to achieve.”

At the time, Channel Nine claimed Johns left his role on Friday night footy in a selfless move to get Billy Slater more air time.

Emma Lawrence and Andrew Johns, pictured here on air for Channel Nine.
Emma Lawrence and Andrew Johns on air for Channel Nine. (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images) (Matt Blyth via Getty Images)

During an interview in 2020, Molan said: “Andrew Johns is an Immortal and he sees things in our game that no-one else can see.

“I have so much respect for him, as I do all the guys I work alongside.”

After 10 years at Channel Nine, Molan is now the Sky News Primetime Contributor and also writes a column for the Daily Telegraph.

“We are delighted to welcome Erin to Sky News,” Chief executive officer Paul Whittaker said.

“Erin is a highly respected broadcaster and journalist who fiercely advocates on issues of national importance.

"Her insights will add new context for our discussion and opinion programs.”

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