Danika Mason has officially been appointed as the new sports presenter for Nine’s Today show, securing a highly sought-after role after a competitive selection process.
The seasoned NRL sideline reporter edged out several high-profile candidates, including Nine’s weekend sports newsreader Roz Kelly, to claim the position.
Mason’s promotion follows the departure of Alex Cullen, who was dismissed last month
after accepting a $50,000 payment from entrepreneur Adrian Portelli during Nine’s Australian Open tennis coverage.
The scandal surrounding Cullen’s exit left an open spot on the Today show, leading the network to carefully evaluate potential replacements before ultimately selecting Mason.
A Competitive Selection Process
The race to fill Cullen’s seat saw multiple high-profile contenders vying for the role. Roz Kelly, a well-respected journalist and mother of two, was initially considered a frontrunner within Nine. Additionally, Olympians Ellie Cole and Cate Campbell, along with Nine sports reporter Zac Bailey, were also given a chance to showcase their abilities during the selection process.
Despite strong competition, Mason emerged as the network’s choice, thanks in part to her extensive experience covering sports and her strong rapport with the NRL community. Nine is expected to formally announce Mason’s appointment on Friday.
Mason’s Journey at Nine
Danika Mason’s rise to prominence at Nine has been a steady one. She first joined the network in 2012 as a newsroom intern before transitioning to the sports department as a producer. Over time, she worked her way into a reporting role, where she gained recognition for her work on NRL coverage. Her ability to deliver insightful sideline commentary and connect with players and fans has made her a standout figure in sports journalism.
Mason’s appointment also comes at a significant moment for Nine’s sports coverage. She is currently in Las Vegas, where she is covering the much-anticipated NRL season opener alongside Today anchor Karl Stefanovic. Her presence at the high-profile event is seen as a testament to the confidence Nine executives have in her abilities.
Alex Cullen’s Departure and the Adrian Portelli Controversy
Mason’s appointment follows the abrupt exit of Alex Cullen, whose tenure at Nine ended in controversy. Cullen was let go after it was revealed that he had received a $50,000 payment from Adrian Portelli—also known as “The Lambo Guy”—while discussing the businessman live on air.
Portelli later posted a screenshot of the transaction to social media, further fueling the controversy. While Cullen faced immediate consequences, Today co-host Karl Stefanovic also mentioned Portelli during a segment, though no action was taken against him. Nine has not commented on whether any further reviews of the situation will take place.
Mason’s Personal Life in the Spotlight
Beyond her professional achievements, Mason has also made headlines for her personal life. In 2023, she experienced a highly publicized breakup with Sydney fitness trainer Todd Liubinskas, with their engagement ending just weeks before their planned wedding in the Hunter Valley.
Months after the split, Mason was linked to Canterbury Bulldogs player Liam Knight, and the two later confirmed their relationship. Despite the media attention surrounding her personal life, Mason has remained focused on her career, earning respect for her professionalism and dedication to sports journalism.
What’s Next for Today and Danika Mason?
With Mason stepping into her new role, Today is set to enter a fresh chapter in its sports coverage. Her deep knowledge of rugby league, strong industry connections, and engaging on-air presence position her as a valuable asset to the show.
As she takes on this new challenge, viewers can expect Mason to bring her signature enthusiasm and expertise to the program, ensuring sports fans receive top-tier coverage. While she has already established herself as a respected journalist, this latest career milestone is set to elevate her profile even further.
Nine’s decision to appoint Mason underscores their commitment to delivering dynamic and insightful sports reporting, and with her at the helm, the Today show’s sports segment is in capable hands.
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