STUNNING TV SHOCKER: Channel 7 Poaches Channel 9’s Star Sports Reporter Tom Morris in Daring Raid
- Tom Morris, 34, has made the shocking decision to jump ship from Channel 9 to rival network Channel 7 in a lucrative deal.
- The move is a major coup for Seven, who have been aggressively poaching top talent from rival networks.
- Morris is expected to join forces with Mitch Cleary and Xander McGuire to form a formidable sports reporting trio.
In a bombshell move that has sent shockwaves through the Australian television industry, Channel 9’s chief sports reporter Tom Morris has been poached by rival network Channel 7. The 34-year-old informed Channel 9 of his decision on Friday morning, citing a lucrative offer from Seven as the reason for his departure.
According to sources, Seven’s head of sport Chris Jones and SEN boss Craig Hutchison were the masterminds behind the successful poaching attempt. The move is seen as a major coup for Seven, who have been aggressively targeting top talent from rival networks in recent months.
Morris, who has been with Channel 9 since January 2024, is understood to have been lured to Seven by the network’s broadcast rights to both the AFL and cricket. Despite not being expected to take on a major on-air role, Morris will join forces with Mitch Cleary and Xander McGuire to form a formidable sports reporting trio.
The move is the latest in a string of high-profile defections from Channel 9 to Seven. In 2024, Seven lured Kane Cornes away from Nine in a major coup. Morris’s departure is seen as a significant blow to Channel 9’s sports reporting team.
In a statement, a Channel 9 spokesperson said they were disappointed to lose Morris but wished him well in his future endeavors. Meanwhile, Seven has hailed the move as a major victory in the ongoing battle for sports broadcasting supremacy.