Fatty is a Hall of Famer

Legendary NRL and Queensland State of Origin player, Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin has been officially inducted into the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame. 

The now beloved TV personality was inducted in front of an audience of sporting stars at the annual QSport Awards and Hall of Fame induction, held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on November 21. 

As one of the latest Hall of Famers, Vautin joins a decorated cohort of NRL royalty including the late, great Arthur Beetson. 

“He (Arthur Beetson) is number one in the Hall of Fame,” said Vautin. 

“To be in the same list as him is incredible.”

Born in Brisbane, Vautin says one of his greatest career moments was when he made his State of Origin debut. 

“When I finally got the chance to wear that maroon jumper and play for Queensland, it was something out of this world - it was like a dream.” 

Vaughtin represented his state an astonishing 22 times and amassed an impressive 204 NRL club games for Manly. 

The Queensland Legend also coached the Marrons to a  3-0 series victory in 1995. 

However, it was off the footy field and in front of the camera where Vautin became a household name as the co-host of the Channel 9 Footy Show. 

At the helm of the program, the footy show won 11 logie awards and in 2003 Vautin won a Logie for the most popular sports presenter. 

After a 33 year career at nine Vautin has put down the microphone and stepped away from the camera for the last time, after announcing his retirement on Sunday 1 December. 

Vautin has left a lasting legacy not only as a player, but as a presenter, truly making him a worthy inductee into the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame. 

Welcome to the Hall of Fame, Fatty.