Paul ‘Fatty' Vautin

Paul “Fatty” Vautin is one of rugby league’s most beloved and enduring personalities, having carved out a remarkable career as a player, coach, commentator, and television host over more than four decades in the public eye.

Born in Brisbane and affectionately nicknamed “Fatty”, Paul Vautin first made his mark on the field as a gritty and determined forward. He played 201 first-grade games for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, captaining the club to premiership glory in 1987. Vautin also proudly represented Queensland in State of Origin, where he captained the Maroons, and played 13 Tests for Australia. His resilience and toughness earned him the media nickname “Captain Courageous”, as he regularly defied injury to lead from the front.

But Vautin’s story didn’t end when he hung up his boots. In a stunning coaching debut, he led an underdog and undermanned Queensland side to a legendary 3–0 series whitewash over New South Wales in the 1995 State of Origin, cementing his place in rugby league folklore.

Off the field, Paul transitioned into a highly successful media career. He became a cornerstone of Channel Nine’s rugby league coverage in 1992, providing commentary alongside Ray Warren and Peter Sterling. From 1994 to 2017, he hosted The Footy Show, helping turn it into a powerful force and winning over a new generation of fans with his unique sense of humour and unmatched charisma. Even a serious head injury in 2005 couldn’t keep him off air for long. 

Paul officially retired from commentary in December 2024, ending an extraordinary 46-year run in rugby league and television. While he may have said he "ran out of petrol", his legacy continues to fuel the sport he helped shape both on and off the field.

As a speaker, Vautin is as entertaining and authentic as ever, sharing stories filled with insight, humour, and a rare depth of experience from elite sport and media. Whether you're after leadership lessons, tales from the Origin battlefield, or behind-the-scenes stories from one of Australia’s most iconic TV careers, Paul “Fatty” Vautin brings the laughs, the wisdom, and the heart.