NRL great Brad Fittler has apologised after making an inappropriate comment during Channel 9's coverage of the North Queensland Cowboys' 30-18 win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Sunday. In the second half, Cowboys centre Tom Chester made a line break but failed to pass to a teammate, resulting in a knock-on. Fittler remarked, 'Chester the Molester, he's blown it,' which quickly went viral on social media.
Fittler contacted a Cowboys official shortly after full-time to apologise for his choice of words, and the apology was passed on to Chester. He then made his apology public on Monday morning's Today Show, stating, 'I had a slip up in commentary and I've said my message to the Cowboys already.'
This is not the first time Fittler has faced criticism for on-air comments. In 2024, he was criticised for an awkward interview with Olympic champion sisters Jess and Noemie Fox at a Penrith Panthers game, where he joked about a kiss cam.
Despite the incident, Chester had a strong game, scoring a try in the first half and making a try-saving tackle on Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston. The Cowboys sit sixth on the NRL ladder with eight wins this season.
