Friday was Alex Mason's final shift on Today, as she prepares to welcome her first child with former NRL player Liam Knight.
Her maternity leave began a week early on "doctor's orders".
The 35-year-old has presented sport news on Today for two years and said she would not return to the programme in 2027.
Mason told viewers: "I'm going on maternity leave as we probably are all aware, but I've had to make the decision on what I do when I come back next year."
She said: "And obviously juggling all my NRL commitments, the Today show, and then a new baby as well - something had to give, so I've made the pretty tough decision."
She added: "When I return next year, I won't be coming back to the show."
Mason said she had gone "to and fro" on the decision and was sad to close the chapter after two years with the team.
She told colleagues, "I'll see you in March next year for the footy."
Today host Sylvia Jeffreys replied: "Rugby league will be back in no time, and so will you."