Samantha is certainly enjoying the perks of hosting Nine’s Today show.
The former Sunrise star, 49, was treated to some eye candy on Friday’s episode when hunky Cronulla Sharks forward Toby Rudolf made an appearance to discuss the NRL 2026 finals.
Chatting to Tom Steinfort, Toby joked he had previously ‘flirted’ with the Papua New Guinea Chiefs in the hope of joining them for their inaugural NRL season in 2028.
‘I was trying to flirt with the Chiefs, but they were not flirting back with me,’ he mused.
‘How do you flirt?’ Tom cheekily asked, as Samantha giggled: ‘Tom!’
‘How you going, have you come here often?’ Toby jokingly replied.
Samantha is certainly enjoying the perks of hosting Nine’s Today show. The former Sunrise star, 49, was treated to some eye candy on Friday’s episode as hunky Sharks forward Toby Rudolf made an appearance to discuss the NRL 2026 finals. (Pictured L-R: Tom Steinfort, Samantha Armytage)
Chatting to Tom Steinfort, Toby (pictured) joked that he previously ‘flirted’ with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chiefs in the hopes of joining them for their inaugural NRL season in 2028
Samantha, who has built a reputation for fawning over handsome interviewees in the past, couldn’t help but praise Toby following the interview, telling Tom: ‘That’s the funniest rugby league interview I’ve ever seen in my life.’
‘That was brilliant. Well done Tom – he’s hilarious!’ she cooed.
But the compliments did not stop there.
‘He’s wasted in rugby league. He should be on stage, that fellow!’ she continued.
Samantha and Tom are currently filling in as Today co-hosts following the departure of former host Karl Stefanovic – who was axed amid the fallout from his controversial podcast – and Sarah Abo, who is on maternity leave.
Viewers have praised Tom’s polished on-screen presence, natural chemistry with the team and ability to bring fresh energy to the breakfast show, with some suggesting he should become a permanent member.
‘Keep Tom but please change the other host,’ one person wrote on social media.
‘I absolutely love love love Tom!! He has so much charisma, I’d love for him to take over from Karl!’ another added.
Samantha, who has built a reputation for fawning over handsome interviewees in the past , couldn’t help praise Toby following the interview, telling Tom: ‘ That’s the funniest rugby league interview I’ve ever seen in my life’
Viewers have been impressed by Tom’s polished on-screen presence, natural chemistry with the team and ability to bring a fresh energy to the breakfast show – and suggested making him a permanent member
‘I have to say I watched this on the telly yesterday and thought Sam & Tom have great chemistry!’ a third chimed in.
Channel Nine quietly reshuffled the deck at Today this week, with veteran reporter Mike Willesee Jr. removed from the breakfast show as the network trials a new on-air pairing.
Before becoming one of 60 Minutes’ most recognisable faces, Tom served as Today’s newsreader during the Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner era in 2019, making him a familiar figure to the show’s viewers.
According to industry insiders, Tom is highly regarded by Nine management and remains a popular member of the Today team behind the scenes, with executives optimistic he and Sam will strike the right chemistry on air.
The pairing is expected to be closely watched by network bosses, particularly as breakfast television remains one of the most fiercely contested battlegrounds.
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