Yvonne Sampson
Yvonne Sampson is an Australian sports broadcaster and television presenter known for her work in rugby league coverage across major Australian networks including Seven, Nine, Sky News Australia, and Fox Sports.
Early career and education
Sampson began her media career as a cadet reporter with Seven Local News on the Sunshine Coast. She balanced this role with her studies at the Queensland University of Technology and part-time work at the Eagle Farm Equine Hospital.
A chance encounter between her taxi-driving father and former NRL player Wendell Sailor helped spark her early interest in sports media and reporting opportunities.
Seven Network and regional reporting
After completing her studies, Sampson joined the Seven Network full-time as a sports reporter. She worked across regional Queensland, including Maryborough, Mackay, and Townsville, before returning to the Sunshine Coast as a studio presenter for Seven Local News.
Sky News Australia and transition to national coverage
In 2010, Sampson left Seven Local News after signing a two-year contract with Sky News Australia in Sydney, marking her move into national sports broadcasting.
Nine Network and NRL coverage
Sampson joined the Nine Network in Brisbane in 2012 before relocating to Sydney in 2014 to work more closely with Wide World of Sports.
During her time at Nine, she:
- Presented sport on Nine News Sydney
- Hosted Friday Night Rugby League
- Worked as sideline commentator for Thursday Night Football and Sunday Football
- Hosted Footy Classified NRL Finals in 2015
The Sunday Footy Show and State of Origin
In 2016, Sampson became host of The Sunday Footy Show, replacing Peter Sterling. She also made history as the first woman to anchor Network Nine’s State of Origin coverage.
Fox Sports career
In December 2016, Sampson signed a multi-year deal with Fox Sports. She went on to host Thursday and Saturday night rugby league coverage and front the weekly program League Life, expanding her profile as one of Australia’s leading rugby league broadcasters.
