After referring to an NRL player as “Chester the molester” during Channel Nine’s Sunday afternoon coverage of the Souths vs. North Queensland game, Brad Fittler went viral for all the wrong reasons.
“Chester the molester, he’s blown it,” Fittler remarked in the moments following the 25-year-old’s error after Cowboys star Tom Chester made a run in the 50th minute of the game but botched what could have been a try by failing to transfer the ball to a teammate.
As fans expressed their outrage and disbelief at the former Kangaroos captain’s outburst, footage of the incident instantly went viral online. “Seriously @NRLonNine, you guys are a disgrace letting this idiot Brad Fittler behind a microphone.” You should file a complaint about what Fittler just said, @nthqldcowboys. One person said, “@NRL needs to get engaged as well.” Brad Fittler called Tom Chester, saying, “Chester The Molester on live, national television is likely another evidence that someone doesn’t necessarily earn or warrant a media job with a significant level of influence just because they can kick a football. Shameful. However, another commenter stated that “boys will be boys” or something like.
During Sunday’s match broadcast, Brad Fittler, a former football hero who is now a Channel Nine personality, called Cowboys star Tom Chester “Chester the molester,” infuriating fans.
Fittler made the comment after Chester (shown on the left) had just botched a try in his team’s victory over Souths.
A third person said, “Freddy was an amazing player (and I’m a Queenslander), but he sucks as a commentator.”
“Disgusting” and “Brad Fittler be better” were two more remarks.
According to reports, Fittler apologized to Cowboys officials following the game, and the team will not be pursuing the issue.
With a try in the 34th minute, Chester was among the top players on the field as the Cowboys won 30-18.
The league legend known as “Freddy” has previously been afoul of the law while providing commentary for Nine.
He received backlash in August 2024 for making an offensive comment when interviewing Paris Olympics gold medallists Jess and Noemie Fox on the sidelines of an NRL game.
“I’m waiting for the kiss cam to come on for me,” the 54-year-old stated as he stood between the sisters.
The Foxes’ embarrassed response to Fittler’s persistent question, “Not happening?” was part of the embarrassing moment.
After the game, the legendary player expressed regret to the Cowboys (Tom Chester is shown with partner Ashlyn Stevenson).
“Freddy” has previously faced criticism for remarks he made on Nine.
Later that year, during the grand final, Fittler saw Jess Fox in the sheds once more and uncomfortably offered her a limited-edition Tooheys beer that commemorated the Panthers’ fourth consecutive victory.
“Four in a row,” Fittler remarked as he extended the drink to Jess Fox. It’s written on the beer. They deserve it. Can you handle that, Jess? That’s yours to have.
Fox said, “Um, nah, nah,” rejecting the offer after appearing startled and surprised.
A request for comment has been made to Channel Nine.
Since ending his playing career at the end of the 2004 season, Fittler has been a longtime member of the Nine commentary team.
He played 336 games for the Panthers and Roosters, shone for NSW in 31 State of Origin matches, leading the team in many of them, and represented his nation 38 times before ascending to the position of captain of the Kangaroos.
Fitter turned to coaching after winning the 2002 premiership with the Tricolours and the 1991 grand final with Penrith.
He coached the Blues in 18 Origin games from 2018 to 2023 after leading the Roosters from 2007 to 2009.
