In a major coup for Australian sports broadcasting, the Seven Network has confirmed the return of one of the industry's most respected figures. Matt White is coming home to Seven, taking on a pivotal cross-platform role ahead of a massive 2026 rugby league schedule.
A Key Role in Seven's Blockbuster Sports Line-Up
White's return is strategically timed for what Seven is calling a "blockbuster" 2026 sports line-up. He will assume a key presenting position with both 7NEWS Sydney and 7SPORT. A central part of his role will be fronting Seven's expanded NRL coverage when the new season kicks off in 2026.
Each night, he will deliver authoritative analysis on the latest NRL news across the network's nationwide bulletins, providing fans with trusted insights. Furthermore, White will be a central figure in Seven's exclusive coverage of the Rugby League World Cup 2026 in October and November of that year.
His contributions will also extend to a new program, NRL Agenda Setters, designed to connect fans with breaking news and the most impactful analysis in the game.
A Formidable Reunion and Industry Acclaim
Fans can expect to see White back on the 7NEWS Sydney Sports desk from Sunday, January 18, before he shifts focus to the commencement of the 2026 NRL season. His return also marks a highly anticipated reunion with 7NEWS Sydney's sports anchor Mel McLaughlin. The pair first worked together over a decade ago, and their partnership is expected to create a formidable sports broadcasting presence in Sydney.
Expressing his enthusiasm, White said it was a "huge privilege" to re-join Seven at such an exciting time for rugby league. "I'm genuinely pumped to be part of what's next for the network's NRL coverage," he stated, adding that the 2026 World Cup coverage was "the icing on the cake."
Seven's Director of News and Current Affairs, Ray Kuka, hailed White's return as a "homecoming" for one of Australia's most respected sporting voices. He emphasised that White's deep knowledge and authoritative delivery would strengthen the network's newsroom, calling it a "game-changing addition."
Echoing this sentiment, Seven's Director of Network Sport, Chris Jones, described White as smart, dynamic, and insightful, labelling his signing a "huge coup for Seven and for fans." Mel McLaughlin added her excitement, calling White a "huge asset" and "easily one of the best in the business."
A Decorated Broadcasting Career
Matt White is one of Australia's most accomplished and versatile broadcasters, with a career spanning more than three decades across television, radio, and print. He is widely recognised as a founding face of Sports Tonight and has held senior roles including Head of Sport at Network Ten.
His extensive resume includes hosting and commentating on premier global events such as the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, Supercars and Formula 1 championships, the Australian Open Tennis, and the US Open Golf. During his previous decade at Seven, he anchored coverage of the Athens, Torino, and Beijing Olympic Games, hosted Today Tonight, and fronted award-winning motorsport broadcasts.
