Feb 14th, 2018

Feb 14th, 2018

Popular rugby league personality and former Kangaroos, NSW Blues and Penrith Panthers star, Ryan Girdler, has signed on to join The NRL Footy Show from 2018.

Girdler, who holds the record for most points scored in a single match by a NSW Blues player, will join the panel fulltime alongside Andrew Johns, host Erin Molan and regular contributors Darryl Brohman and Beau Ryan in a new-look format for the show as it enters its 25th year on air.

"We're thrilled that Ryan is joining The Footy Show. Ryan’s contributions over the years are well documented, from the early days on the panel to presenting his extremely popular Their House segment," Andy O’Brien, Executive Producer of The NRL Footy Show, said.

"What you see is what you get with Ryan, a good-humoured, good-natured, knowledgeable and experienced thinker. It's great to have Girds talking footy on Nine."



"At Nine we are all about creating ‘the best seat in the house’ for our viewers, and our rugby league experts are what set us apart," Nine’s Head of Rugby League, Simon Fordham, said.

"Ryan’s playing career is exemplary, having competed at the highest level over many years. Coupled with his likeable nature, it will make him a valuable addition to our rugby league lineup in 2018."



Girdler will make his fulltime debut on March 8 after the NRL season opener between the Dragons and Broncos, Live and Free on Nine.

"I’m really excited to be joining The Footy Show and for me the timing feels right," Ryan Girdler said.

"I can’t wait to talk footy with some of the greatest minds in the game on Nine’s commentary team every Thursday night in what is shaping up to be a huge NRL season."



Ryan Girdler's Playing Career



• 2003 NRL Premiership winner with the Penrith Panthers.

• 15 International appearances for Australia.

• 10 State of Origin appearances for New South Wales.

• Record holder for most points scored in a State of Origin match (32) and most points in a series (52).

• Record holder for most first-grade points scored for the Panthers (1,572).