Today co-host Samantha Armytage praised Cronulla Sharks forward Toby Rudolf on Friday after the rugby league player delivered a humorous interview on the Nine breakfast show. Rudolf appeared on the program alongside fill-in host Tom Steinfort to discuss the 2026 NRL finals series.
During the broadcast, the 49-year-old former Sunrise presenter watched as Rudolf joked about attempting to join the Papua New Guinea Chiefs for their inaugural NRL season in 2028. Rudolf said he tried to express interest in the new team through unconventional means.
"I was trying to flirt with the Chiefs, but they were not flirting back with me," Rudolf mused. Steinfort then asked how he flirts, prompting Armytage to giggle and exclaim, "Tom!" Rudolf replied with the pick-up line, "How you going, have you come here often?"
Following the exchange, Armytage offered high praise for the Cronulla player. "That's the funniest rugby league interview I've ever seen in my life," she told Steinfort. "That was brilliant. Well done Tom: he's hilarious!"
Armytage added that Rudolf belonged in entertainment rather than sport. "He's wasted in rugby league. He should be on stage, that fellow!" she said. Armytage has previously built a reputation for fawning over handsome interviewees on television.
Viewer Reactions to On-Air Hosting Team
Armytage and Steinfort are currently filling in as co-hosts on Today. They are covering following the departure of former host Karl Stefanovic, who was axed amid fallout from a controversial podcast, while regular co-host Sarah Abo is on maternity leave.
Viewers expressed strong approval on social media for Steinfort's polished on-screen presence, natural chemistry, and fresh energy. Some audience members suggested that network executives make his temporary role permanent.
"Keep Tom but please change the other host," one social media user wrote. Another viewer added, "I absolutely love love love Tom!! He has so much charisma, I'd love for him to take over from Karl!" A third commenter chimed in, "I have to say I watched this on the telly yesterday and thought Sam & Tom have great chemistry!"
Channel Nine Reshuffles Today Breakfast Lineup
The positive viewer feedback comes as Channel Nine quietly reshuffled the Today lineup this week. Veteran reporter Mike Willesee Jr. was removed from the breakfast show as executives trial the new on-air partnership.
Steinfort previously served as the newsreader on Today in 2019 during the Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner hosting era. He later became one of the most recognisable faces on current affairs program 60 Minutes.
According to industry insiders, Steinfort is highly regarded by Nine management and remains popular behind the scenes. Network bosses plan to watch the pairing closely as competition intensifies across breakfast television battlegrounds.
