From the SMH especially for fans of our favorite journo Paul Kent, also a GREAT story about Nathan
The divisive media figure has found a new line of work as News Corp considers whether he will be replaced as a full-time TV host.
www.smh.com.au
Fox Sports personality and
Daily Telegraph columnist
Paul Kent has found a new line of work with a funeral home as News Corp considers whether he will be replaced as a full-time TV host. There is no official word on Kent’s future as he prepares to return to court in December, but
Gorden Tallis has filled the void well so far.
Kent was one of the loudest and most divisive media figures in the NRL, but he has been close to invisible since being charged with two domestic violence-related offences in May after a 33-year-old woman alleged she had been choked at a home in the inner west.
Outside the courtroom where he pleaded not guilty to the charges, Kent said it was his turn to be part of the rugby league circus. By anyone’s standards, that was an interesting choice of words.
He is now working in one of the most sensitive jobs at Mannings Funerals in Rozelle. I contacted the funeral home during the week and it confirmed Kent was working as a part-time limousine driver.
Funeral director Michael Manning, from Mannings Funerals, said: “He’s been down a few times to work with us. If he wants a job full-time I’d have no problem with that.
“He said he has an interest in the funeral business and I’d show him the ropes. He told me he wants to write a book about the funeral business and I’d help him out with that for sure. And if he needs more work, I’d help with that, too.”
Paul Kent was charged with two domestic violence-related offences in May.Credit: Kate Geraghty
I tried to contact Kent for comment. I have not had a reply.
The rugby league media and, in particular, News Corp have been heavily criticised by the public for being too lenient in their coverage of Kent with comparisons being made to the reporting on NRL players facing similar charges.
Fox Sports will need to decide on its next step. If Kent is found not guilty, can he still sit on a panel and judge others, as has been his role?
The feeling is that is unlikely. He certainly could talk about football, but would struggle with commentary about behaviour or culture.
‘Superstar human’ Cleary
ARL Commission chairman
Peter V’landys has gone out of his way to label
Nathan Cleary a “superstar human” after a builder who is working on the league boss’s home highlighted Cleary’s dedication to a young girl fighting cancer.
Nathan Cleary makes a line break in Saturday night’s game against the Warriors.Credit: Getty
Tragically, nine-year-old Nicola Smith lost her battle with brain cancer in recent days, but after learning of her fight, Cleary helped fill some of her final moments with joy. She was in Bear Cottage in Manly and Cleary made a number of trips to see her. It was not a Panthers initiative; it was all Cleary’s doing. He wore a tribute to her on his boots for the game against Manly in round 24.
“A tradesman who is working at my house and is a Parramatta tragic wanted me to know the kindness and thoughtfulness of Nathan Cleary,” V’landys wrote to me.
“This is one of many acts of kindheartedness I hear about Nathan. Not only is he a superstar player but a superstar human being. He may even do the impossible and turn the Parra man to a Panther.”
“I know we can make a difference, and it’s nice to bring some joy. I remember what it was like for me as a kid and the impact players had on me.
“I was lucky enough to meet her [Nicola] when she came out to a training session last year. She was a young girl who had been through a tough time — she was so lovely and had a lot of character. I got to meet the family and I stayed in contact with them. I was lucky enough to see her again earlier this year, and at the time she was defying the odds. They thought her time was going to end sooner than it did, but she was a soldier and kept fighting on.
“Midway through this year I went out to visit her and she was in palliative care. I was so fortunate to spend time with her beautiful family. She was a big Panthers fan, so she meant a lot to me.”
