The lead anchor of The Footy Show (NRL), Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin is out of contract at the end of this year and it is expected that his contract will not be renewed by Channel 9.

Vautin has cohosted the Rugby League version of the program since its inception in 1994 and was the last remaining original panellist.

The reason for his axing is said to be his high cost to channel 9, despite cutting his salary by $100,000 last year as part of 9 cost cutting.

Paul ‘The Chief’ Harragon’s future on the show is also uncertain, however Matty Johns appears to be pretty safe.

Vautin is to meet with Nine boss Jeff Browne next week. New kid Laurie Daley is expected to replace Vautin as host.

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