Rugby league Immortal Wally Lewis is ready to finish his 24-year run as 9 Information sports activities presenter, revealing well being points have pressured him to step again.
TV Blackbox reported that the Queensland Origin legend would quit his presenting duties “efficient instantly”.
The report says Lewis “won’t return to the studio in 2023, however will stay with the community”.
Lewis has labored for Channel 9 since becoming a member of the community in 1999 after a brief stint on Channel 7.
“My well being has made selections for me previously so it’s my flip to make selections for my well being,” Lewis mentioned.
“Whereas I’ll take extra of a again seat position within the studio, 9 Information viewers can nonetheless anticipate me to maintain them up-to-date on the highs and lows of native and worldwide sport, and naturally share my weekly NRL suggestions.”
Regardless of paring again his work necessities, 9 has been in negotiations to maintain him within the 9 “household”, and he gained’t be fully retiring simply but.
“Past 9 Information, I’ll proceed to name WWOS house, and there are some particular 9 packages within the pipeline that I’m additionally able to deal with alongside my ongoing involvement with the QRL and FOGS (Former Origin Greats),” he mentioned.
“It’s protected to say that no two weeks in my calendar will look the identical this yr, which is what I’m trying ahead to most.”
9 Queensland director of Information Amanda Paterson mentioned whereas he is probably not on-screen as a lot any extra, he would proceed to work behind the scenes.
“The King is effectively and actually right here to remain. He continues to reside as much as being a legend on and off the sector, and whether or not he’s on the newsdesk or not, viewers will nonetheless get to welcome the Wally they know and love into their residing rooms,” Paterson mentioned.
“Wally is such an integral member of our newsroom and we’re privileged to have him on our workforce. His well being is and has all the time been our precedence, so we’re pleased with him for making the decision to place himself first.”
Lewis has had well being points involving his mind previously and lived with epilepsy all through his profession.
He additionally had surgical procedure on his mind after a seizure whereas studying the information in 2006.
However talking to Information.com.au earlier this month, Lewis mentioned he didn’t remorse something about his rugby league profession.
“We’ve got this little tag in rugby league the place they name rugby league ‘the best sport of all’, and it was an absolute thrill and absolute privilege to play that sport,” Lewis continued.
“However for lots of men, they need that they may have accomplished so with out struggling extreme head knocks.
“However it’s a part of the sport and there could also be some guys which are a bit bit offended with the end result of their profession. However to be trustworthy, ask us if we modify something within the sport they usually’d all say we gained’t change a factor.”
Lewis additionally revealed his 92-year-old father had dementia, calling for individuals to debate their needs for his or her funerals with their households.
