Latest news with #YvonneSampson
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Footy commentator Yvonne Sampson's baby joy is revealed - and it means big changes for some familiar faces on TV
Fox Sports NRL presenter Yvonne Sampson and her former Channel Nine star husband Chris O'Keefe have revealed they are thrilled to be expecting their second child. The couple, who proud parents to two-year-old son Henry, had tried to keep the happy news under wraps until now. 'Vonny, Henry and I are expecting another little addition,' O'Keefe told News Corp. 'Henry's about to be promoted to big brother and we're absolutely thrilled. 'Chaos incoming.' O'Keefe explained that some of Sampson's colleagues suspected something was going on during NRL 's season-opening matches in Las Vegas. The popular footy TV host has tried to keep the exciting news a secret 'Let's just say when Vonny locked herself in her hotel room in Vegas for round one, a few of her colleagues started to suspect something was up,' he said. 'But we managed to keep it quiet, it's important to us to keep our private life, private. 'She's an extraordinary mum. She is not just the heart of our home, but the brains, legs, arms and everything else too. 'I'm honestly just trying to keep up. Henry absolutely adores Vonny, watching them together fills me with so much happiness.' O'Keefe is a Dragons diehard and has confirmed that the new arrival will follow suit. 'Henry had his Red V membership before he had a Medicare card, this will be no different,' he said. 'It's important they build some character through long stretches of extreme disappointment.' The couple announced their engagement in 2017 and got married in 2018. The couple had been dating for more than three years after first meeting in the Channel Nine Brisbane newsroom (where the pair were both working at the time). With Sampson taking time off for the birth of her child, Fox Sports are planning to overhaul their roster. Braith Anasta, host of NRL 360, will shift from Sunday Ticket to host the Super Saturday show.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NRL world sends flood of messages as husband confirms news about Yvonne Sampson
Yvonne Sampson is set to take a temporary break from her TV role with Fox League after it was revealed over the weekend that she's expecting her second child. The popular NRL host is in the latter stages of her pregnancy, but has kept the lovely news a secret the whole time despite being due in July. Sampson's husband Chris O'Keefe confirmed to the that they're expecting a second child to join son Henry. "Henry's about to be promoted to big brother and we're absolutely thrilled. Chaos incoming," he said. O'Keefe said they've been keen to keep their private life as private as possible, hence why they didn't reveal the pregnancy news earlier. But he said some of Sampson's Fox League colleagues suspected something was up during the NRL's opening round in Las Vegas. Sampson was heading up Fox League's coverage, but spent a lot of her downtime in her hotel room. "When Vonny locked herself in her hotel room in Vegas for Round 1, a few of her colleagues started to suspect something was up," he said. "But we managed to keep it quiet, it's important to us to keep our private life, private. "She's an extraordinary mum. She is not just the heart of our home, but the brains, legs, arms and everything else too. I'm honestly just trying to keep up. Henry absolutely adores Vonny, watching them together fills me with so much happiness." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yvonne O'Keefe (@vonokeefe) Speaking in February about the trip to Vegas, Sampson said she wouldn't be letting her hair down. "I will be packing my dignity because it's a work trip," she said on SEN radio. "I can't say the same for the entire Fox crew because some of them do like to party, but I'll be last in and first out. "[Fox Sports bosses] are very particular about [the rules]. We don't single anyone out but we do have an all-encompassing briefing and there are documents we have to sign that say 'I understand my responsibilities'. All of the rules that apply to out workplace (in Sydney) apply in Vegas." RELATED: Panthers cops unwanted blow as NSW forced into late change Peter V'landys floats $3b change to Origin amid Karl's complaint NRL 'robbery' leaves fans incensed amid fresh fears for Roosters star With Sampson on maternity leave, Fox League have had to shuffle the decks to fill the void. Braith Anasta will move to Super Saturday, while Lara Pitt takes over the Friday night coverage. Jake Duke has been promoted to host the Sunday Ticket, while Jess Yates will stay on for Thursday Night Footy. Fans sent a flood of messages on social media to congratulate Sampson and O'Keefe after learning the pregnancy news. One person wrote: "So good. Both nice people." Another commented: "Congratulations - make sure you come back Vonnie you are a superb commentator." So good. Both nice people. — Bobby from Boat Harbour (@BoatHarbourBob) June 14, 2025 Lover her spirit Congratulations — We The People (@WeThePe33057894) June 14, 2025
The Australian
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Australian
Yvonne Sampson and Chris O'Keefe expecting second child
Phil Rothfield reveals that Yvonne Sampson and Chris O'Keefe are expecting again, Willie Peters inches closer to the NRL, the son of Craig Fitzgibbon joins the Bulldogs renaissance, and more in Saint, Sinner, Shoosh. CHAOS INCOMING FOR VONNY AND CHRIS THE BETTER HALF – with Chris O'Keefe, husband of Yvonne Sampson Q: I hear you may have some great news to share, mate? We do! Vonny, Henry and I are expecting another little addition. Henry's about to be promoted to big brother and we're absolutely thrilled. Chaos incoming. Q: Geez, you've done well to keep it a secret considering Vonny is on TV every weekend sitting in front of hundreds of thousands of viewers. Let's just say when Vonny locked herself in her hotel room in Vegas for Round 1, a few of her colleagues started to suspect something was up. But we managed to keep it quiet, it's important to us to keep our private life, private. Good news: Yvonne Sampson, Chris O'Keefe and son Henry will have another addition to the family soon. Picture: Supplied Q: You already have a son, Henry. Tell us about Vonny the mum. She's an extraordinary mum. She is not just the heart of our home, but the brains, legs, arms and everything else too. I'm honestly just trying to keep up. Henry absolutely adores Vonny, watching them together fills me with so much happiness. Q: How do you go helping out at home? Like most blokes my age, I do as much as I possibly can to help, it's important to me to be as present and helpful as possible. I love spending time with Henry and it's not fair to let the household pressures build up on your partner without doing your bit. In saying that, the real heavy lifting's done by Vonny, I'm basically the support runner waiting for the offload. Q: I trust the new arrival will be another St George Illawarra fan. Poor kid. Henry had his Red V membership before he had a Medicare card, this will be no different. It's important they build some character through long stretches of extreme disappointment. Q: And how's life with you mate. I miss your old show on 2GB. You might be the only one! But life's brilliant. My business, Emerald House Advocacy, is flying along. Great clients, really interesting work. I've also got a whole new respect for anyone who runs their own business, it's a different kind of stress, but a very rewarding one. BEFORE THERE WERE FOUR: Chris O'Keefe and Yvonne Sampson at the SCG. Picture: Instagram SAINT The Broncos have hired experienced old crisis-management expert Grant 'Grunter' Williams. This guy is a genius at putting a positive spin on any drama or scandal. We hope he can put in some work on coach Michael Maguire's phone manners. SINNER Forget the cost-of-living crisis and every other issue in this country … When will Albo fix the television anti-siphoning laws that will actually allow us to watch the Socceroos qualify for the World Cup and the Australian cricket team play South Africa in the world championship final at Lord's on traditional channels rather than having to download various streaming devices. It. Is. A. Joke. SHOOSH Which NRL club recently parted company with a senior employee over accusations he was leaking sensitive information to a player agent and a prominent member of the media. SHOOSH Which big-name (and I mean really big-name) is being linked to Perth Bears. He is a sensational player who will attract others to the new franchise. SHOOSH Which struggling club is making discreet inquiries around Maroons and Cronulla assistant coach Josh Hannay for 2026. Making waves: Former North Sydney star Ivan Cleary at Narrabeen Beach. Picture: Supplied SPOTTED Panthers coach Ivan Cleary enjoying the bye break with a surf at Newport on Tuesday. 'He's no Mick Fanning but goes ok,' says our informant. We found this old snap of Ivan from 1994 at Narrabeen. SPOTTED Rugby's $5 million man Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii says the upcoming Wallabies series against the British and Irish Lions is bigger than rugby league's State of Origin. Television ratings will prove that this statement is complete nonsense. Yes, there is great interest in the rah-rahs this year but Origin will attract more eyeballs. SPOTTED Cronulla Sharks old boys are holding a fundraiser for FightMND's Big Freeze at Taren Point Bowling club on Sunday, June 29. You'll get to play bowls alongside club legends Matty Rogers, David Peachey, David Hatch, Gavin Miller, Mitch Healey and Aaron Raper among others. Tickets are $120 including a lunch and drinks package. Contact Trudy Maher at: trudy@ for details. NUMBER 9: Darrell Bampton will be celebrated by current and former Bunnies next weekend. Picture: Supplied SPOTTED All roads lead to the Coogee SLSC next Sunday to celebrate the life of one of the South Sydney Rabbitohs' all-time favourites — Darrell 'Number 9' Bampton — who passed away last year. A ceremony will take place at 11.30am where Number 9's ashes will be scattered off the beach; a place where he loved to body surf. A host of former and current players are expected to attend. GIVE WILLIE A GO Roosters legends Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Mitchell Pearce are backing Willie Peters to become the NRL's next coaching success story as pressure intensifies on Anthony Seibold at Manly, and remains on Des Hasler at the Titans and Adam O'Brien in Newcastle. Peters — the former Souths and St George-Illawarra halfback — broke a 45-year trophy drought for Hull Kingston Rovers with a victory last weekend against Sam Burgess' Warrington in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley. WILLIE HAVE A GO: Willie Peters lifts the Challenge Cup after winning the trophy with Hull Kingston KR last weekend. Picture: Supplied Hargreaves played in the front row in a hard-fought victory that has catapulted Peters, the 46-year-old coach, into serious contention for the next head-coaching role that becomes available. 'It was a hell of an achievement for Willie and everyone at the club,' Hargreaves said. 'I can't speak highly enough of him. Pretty much since we first connected, I noticed his strength was his work ethic and how much he cares about his players. 'If he ever gets an opportunity in the NRL, which I think he should, he'll be great.' JWH has been around rugby league a long time. He knows better than most what it takes to succeed in the cut throat world that is NRL coaching. 'I'm talking about his core values and what Willie stands for,' Hargreaves said. 'He's a very intelligent man with a great league IQ. 'He's obsessed with what he does and loves what he does. He's worked his arse off and deserves all the recognition he's now getting.' Pearce is also a massive Peters fan. He played under him at Newcastle where Peters was an assistant coach for two years. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of Hull Kingston Rovers is tackled by Luke Yates of Warrington Wolves during the Betfred Challenge Cup Final match. Picture:'He helped me a lot from an attacking point of view,' Pearce said. 'He's a man of integrity and his players trust him. 'To lift Hull KR from outside the top six to play in a grand final and win the Challenge Cup is quite an achievement. 'I think he's smart in all areas of the game. I think the time is right now. He's ready.' Unlike other coaching contenders who have managers harassing the media to talk up their credentials, Peters prefers to quietly go about his business without the fuss and fanfare. 'For sure, one day I'd like to coach in the NRL,' he admitted. 'But, right now, I'm just enjoying the win mate.' SON OF FITZY BELMORE-BOUND The Canterbury Bulldogs have made yet another significant five-eighth signing — this time the highly-rated son of Cronulla Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon. Aaymon Fitzgibbon is a 19-year-old from the Illawarra Steelers SG Ball team who had an offer to play for St George Illawarra before signing with the Bulldogs on a three-year deal. 'The Dragons wanted to keep him,' said his agent David Riolo. 'He's a big body and a really good kid. 'He just thought the Dogs were a better fit at this stage.' It comes just a week after Michael Ennis' son Jack also joined Canterbury. The Bulldogs are now stockpiling many of the game's best rising stars in their pathways. Three weeks ago they pinched another outstanding youngster from the Dragons – former Australian schoolboy star Finau Latu. BLUE STEEL: Aaymon Fitzgibbon of the Illawarra Steelers SG Ball side is on his way to Canterbury. Picture: Allan Barry MACDOUGALL FAR FROM FRUGAL We all know former Newcastle Knights star Adam MacDougall is a squillionaire who made his fortune out of The Man Shake. He is also an extremely generous man with his money. The ex-winger was at Saturday night's game against the Sydney Roosters to announce a $2 million donation to Ronald McDonald House through his foundation. The Wests Group, which owns the Knights, has thrown in another $2 million to match MacDougall's donation. Together their money will contribute to the expansion of Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle – including 11 new self-contained family units and upgraded shared spaces. What an outstanding result for a wonderful charity. LEAGUE ON BURST WITH WA FANS Rugby league is on a powerful surge in Western Australia; coinciding with last month's announcement of the Perth Bears entering the NRL. Despite little support from billionaire media boss Kerry Stokes with his TV and newspaper monopoly in Perth, there has been a huge spike in local interest around State of Origin. TV ratings for the opening game of the series in Western Australia were up 25 per cent compared to last year's opening game of the series. Game II at Optus Stadium is now close to a 60,000 sell out with Ticketek data revealing West Australian locals have purchased 80 per cent of the seats. Still there will be no sign of Stokes in the NRL's suite on Wednesday night. A spokesman for the media boss texted me the following line: 'As much as Kerry Stokes would like to attend the SOO in Perth, he will be in Sydney on business.' At least his editor, Chris Dore, will be there. But he couldn't help himself by having another little whack when we reached out on Friday to ask if he would be in attendance. 'The upside is Peter V'landys knows how to heat up a good party pie,' Dore said. 'And it's also important to see first-hand precisely how the NRL is spending the truckloads of cash the state government is giving them to stage the event.' COURAGEOUS: Billy Slater's decision to select Ezra Mam has been hailed as courageous by QRL boss Ben Ikin. Picture:QRL OK MAROON MAM QRL boss Ben Ikin has backed Billy Slater's decision to include Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam in the extended Maroons Origin squad for Perth. Mam's appalling behaviour late last year behind the wheel of a car, driving unlicensed with drugs in his system, left a little four-year-old girl in hospital. It's bad enough that he got away with a pathetically light nine-week suspension from the NRL, let alone now being included as part of the game's showpiece event. Ikin however is supporting his coach. 'The QRL puts its trust in Billy and the selectors to pick the right people for the right reasons,' Ikin said. 'In Ezra's case, I reckon Billy saw an opportunity to help mentor a young man who's currently trying to put his life and career back together after making a terrible mistake. 'What some see as an unjustified reward, I see as a brave decision by Billy to help someone keep getting better, on and off the field. 'Billy's made a couple of courageous decisions this week – and I respect that.' BIG BREKKY Catch you on the Weekend Big Sports Breakfast with Ray Thomas and Dean Bulldog Ritchie at 9.40am to discuss all things rugby league. ICONIC MOVES: The Brisbane Broncos logo is being redesigned by the same company that gave Juventus a new look. Picture: Supplied BRONCOS TO RUN WITH NEW LOGO The company engaged to redesign the Brisbane Broncos logo is the same global firm that overhauled the logo for European football giants, Juventus. Interbrand is a leading worldwide brand consultancy company that, according to its website, 'gives our clients the confidence to make Iconic Moves'. The before and after images of both clubs demonstrate how Interbrand updated Juventus and what the plans are for the Broncos. Juventus supporters at the time were angered by the change with some claiming they were being treated as customers, not fans. Many commenters on our Broncos story this week were not supportive of the logo, some calling it 'yuck' and 'boring'. It is believed the Broncos chose Interbrand after a number of agencies bid for the role. The cost of the redesign is believed to be in excess of $300,000. SEIBOLD SAFE Manly officials insist Anthony Seibold's coaching job is safe at the moment, despite a shocking loss to the Titans on Friday night on the Gold Coast. It won't however stop the rumour that Fox Sports star Michael Ennis is being groomed to eventually take over from Seibold, who has another two years to run on his contract. Ennis has previously worked at the Raiders and Eels as an assistant before joining Manly where he is highly regarded by the players. Seibold is no certainty to see out his deal unless he can quickly turn Manly's form around. Phil Rothfield Sports Editor-at-Large Phil Buzz Rothfield is a 43-year veteran of sports journalism. He covered his first rugby league grand final in 1978 - the Manly Sea Eagles - Cronulla Sharks replay. Buzz has been involved in the coverage of every State of Origin game since its inception in 1980 and has covered sport in major countries including England, Russia, the United States and Brazil. @BuzzRothfield Phil Rothfield
News.com.au
31-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
‘That door is open': Broncos bombshell as Haas puts himself in shop window to all NRL rivals
James Hooper has revealed Payne Haas' management has asked every NRL rival club to gauge their interest in signing the Broncos prop from 2027. Haas is arguably the best front-rower in the game and was man-of-the-match in the State of Origin opener, but the Broncos lost their sixth game in seven matches in a 34-6 result against the Sea Eagles in Round 13. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer > Off-contract in 2026, Haas is free to negotiate with rivals from November 1, but Hooper revealed on Fox League that his management have effectively put him in the shop window beyond his current contract. 'There is talk that his agent has gone to all the other rival clubs and said, Payne is off-contract as of 2027 and if anybody wants to express interest that door is open,' Hooper said on Fox League. 'The rumblings coming out of Red Hill at the moment are ugly and as the losses mount, the noise will only increase. 'Madge has got to very quickly try and get some fun and some life and frivolity back into going to training and trying to win games because it doesn't look good at the moment.' Yvonne Sampson believes every club in the world will make a play for Haas. 'To risk losing Payne Haas, every single rugby league club in the world would want a Payne Haas,' Sampson said. Mal Meninga believes Michael Maguire needs to get the Broncos back to their winning ways fast or risk losing their best player. 'There is no doubt about that and the first thing you have got to do for a player is keep them happy,' Meninga said. 'They have got to be playing the sort of footy that they love playing. You have got to have some passion and desire and want to be there. You love putting the colours on and running out in the Broncos colours and that's the first thing about it all.' Ex-Broncos coach Kevin Walters agreed enjoyment is a key component for modern players. 'That's the way I coached,' Walters said. 'You play rugby league and there is a lot of accolades and you can make some good money, but you play for the fun and competitive side of it and being part of a team and playing with your best mates and that's what they have got to get back to. 'They need to find their way pretty quickly because we are now 13 rounds in.'
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Yvonne Sampson barred from venue as NRL host lifts lid on pitfalls of Las Vegas
Yvonne Sampson has revealed there's one establishment in Las Vegas where "she's not welcome" as the popular NRL host prepares to lead Fox League's coverage of this weekend's games. Sunday will be a feast of rugby league for fans, with Canberra taking on the Warriors before the Panthers do battle with the Sharks. Australia will also clash with England in a women's Test match, while Warrington and Wigan will play a Super League fixture to kick things off. Sampson will head-up Fox League's coverage of the four games, and is raring to go. But speaking on SEN radio on Monday night, the popular host opened up on some of the pitfalls of Las Vegas in light of Canberra players Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies being sanctioned by the club for an altercation. The teammates came to blows in their hotel elevator after they returned from a night out only to find one wasn't allocated a room. When a plea to share rooms was rejected, the players had a physical altercation and security escorted them out of the hotel. The situation - caused by a problem with the hotel's check-in system - was eventually rectified and police weren't involved. Young and Smithies have been punished by the Raiders but won't be stood down for Sunday's clash with the Warriors. They fronted the media on Tuesday morning and apologised for the incident. Questions have since been asked about whether the NRL teams in Vegas should have a curfew on players, as well as how much time they should be spending in Sin City in the lead-up to Sunday's games. Cronulla have made a 'calculated' decision to base themselves in Los Angeles to avoid the temptations of Vegas, while the Roosters, Broncos and Rabbitohs did likewise last year. On Monday night, Sampson shared her own experiences of Vegas after having her hen's night there. "There's only one establishment I'm not welcome back at," she admitted. "My girlfriends and I have made it a regular trip every few years to blow off some steam in the off-season. Every vice you didn't even know you needed is on offer in Vegas. It is such a big party town." Sampson said she's champing at the bit to be part of Fox League's coverage once again. The pay-TV network have sent a dedicated team to the States, and will have commentators calling the games live from Allegiant Stadium. Free-to-air broadcaster Channel 9 have sent Danika Mason, Paul Gallen and Johnathan Thurston to conduct their usual sideline roles in person. But Nine will have Mat Thompson calling the games from a studio back in Sydney, and won't have an actual caller at the ground. "I never thought I'd be in a position to be invited to go there for work and be part of something that feels very significant and groundbreaking for our humble little game of rugby league," she said. "It will be the biggest global event ever for rugby league with the four games." RELATED: Broncos respond amid concerns around Reece Walsh and Payne Haas Knights take action as Ponga tipped to replace Tedesco at Roosters Sampson said she expects a few of her colleagues to let their hair down in Vegas, but her bosses at Fox League have laid down some clear expectations. "I will be packing my dignity because it's a work trip," she said. "I can't say the same for the entire Fox crew because some of them do like to party, but I'll be last in and first out." When asked if the likes of Matty Johns and Bryan Fletcher have to be pulled into line, Sampson said: "They're very particular about [the rules]. We don't single anyone out but we do have an all-encompassing briefing and there are documents we have to sign that say 'I understand my responsibilities'. All of the rules that apply to out workplace (in Sydney) apply in Vegas."
