LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Paul 'Fatty' Vautin, the Manly and Queensland legend, has dropped a bombshell on NRL fans by announcing his retirement from the media after a whopping 33 years.
The news hit harder than a brutal tackle on the field, leaving many hoping he might still pop up here and there in the media world.
But in classic Vautin style, he made it crystal clear on SEN radio that he's hanging up his boots for good.
"I will never work again.
I am done.
I'm not looking for work," the 65-year-old declared.
No radio gigs, no podcasts, nothing.
He's content to kick back and relax at his Gold Coast home, taking life as easy as a Sunday arvo game of footy.
Reflecting on his time at Channel 9, where he was a fan favorite for over three decades, Vautin revealed that the decision to retire hit him like a perfectly executed drop goal.
It was during a game this year that he had a lightbulb moment and knew it was time to walk away from the cameras for good.
While NRL and TV fans may mourn the absence of the lovable larrikin on their screens, Vautin's words rang loud and clear - he's happy as a pig in mud living life off the airwaves.
So as Vautin rides off into the sunset, we can only wish him all the best on his new journey beyond the media spotlight.