James Hooper (journalist)

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James Hooper is an Australian rugby league journalist for News Corp Australia. He regularly appeared as a panelist on NRL 360 and blogged on rugby league.

Contents

Biography

In 2018 Hooper was charged by police with destroying and damaging property. [1]

In 2022 Hooper was involved in an altercation on air with Triple M broadcaster Anthony Maroon which resulted in Maroon walking out. There were accusations Maroon was bullied by Hooper and co presenters Gorden Tallis and Paul Kent. [2] [3] Kent wrote an article criticising the "social justice hypocrites backing Anthony Maroon", adding “The pile-on for Hooper, both in social and mainstream media, is ten-fold to what Maroon copped yet none of these mental health warriors have considered that, instead taking comfort in being part of the righteous majority." [4]

Hooper was often satirised in the newspaper Betoota Advocate . [5] [6] One article claims "Even the players struggle to remember his name, unless they have been directly targeted in his tabloid rugby league blogging... This lack of recognition in the game comes as a body blow to Hooper, as he works tirelessly to become the new Buzz Rothfield." [7]

In December 2023 Hooper missed a flight on a promotional trip for the NRL and another journalist had to take over his duties. [8]

In March 2025 Hooper went to Las Vegas for the opening weekend of the NRL. The Sydney Morning Herald reported he "became the invisible man as far as work was concerned. Hooper failed to appear on the programs he was scheduled to be on, including NRL 360, where he has a regular gig. Hooper also did not file his regular column from Las Vegas." [8]

Sacking

In August 2025 Hooper was fired from Fox Sports and resigned from Triple M radio after an alleged drink driving incident in Sydney where he reportedly blew five times over the legal limit of alcohol and damaged several cars. [9]

Fox Sports’ managing director Steve Crawley said, “James has been a great contributor since he joined us in 2016, but he’s also battled some significant personal issues from time to time.” [10] Hooper said, "I’ve let the game of rugby league, my employers, my wife and kids down terribly. Clearly I’m not handling the tough side of the job. Hopefully this is the punch between the eyes that will set me straight.” [11] Columnist Danny Weidler called the incident "a horrible reflection of the culture at Fox Sports. If questions are not being asked of the bosses at the company then the problem is bigger than I thought." [12]

Personal life

Hooper is married to fellow journalist Jessica Halloran.

References

  1. ↑ Weidler, Danny (29 September 2018). "Torn Pearce will watch mates play in decider with knot in stomach". Sydney Morning Herald .
  2. ↑ "'Absolute bulls***': Triple M presenter storms out after on-air blow-up". News.com.au . 4 May 2022.
  3. ↑ Weidler, Danny (8 May 2022). "Triple ahem: Station red-faced over Maroon walkout". Sydney Morning Herald.
  4. ↑ Gollasch, Grace (13 May 2022). "Paul Kent comments on his departure from Triple M". Mediaweek .
  5. ↑ "Report: He Got Six Weeks, Move On You Drunk Cunts". The Betoota Advocate. September 2021.
  6. ↑ "Big Country Adapts To New NRL High Shot Rules, Focuses On How To Burst A Man's Spleen Legally". Betoota Advocate. June 2021.
  7. ↑ Overell, Clancy (26 October 2020). ""Fuck What's The Bald Bloke's Name Again" Wonders Mal As James Hooper Enters Fox Sports Lobby". Betoota Advocate.
  8. 1 2 Weidler, Danny (9 March 2025). "The man Paul Kent called 'dog head' finally tells his side of wild street brawl". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2 August 2025.
  9. ↑ Dampney, James (2 August 2025). "Vision emerges of sacked NRL reporter's alleged crash". News.com.au. Retrieved 2 August 2025.
  10. ↑ "NRL reporter James Hooper has been sacked over a drink-driving charge". News.com.au. 1 August 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  11. ↑ Knox, David (2 August 2025). "James Hooper departs FOX Sports". TV Tonight. Retrieved 2 August 2025.
  12. ↑ Weidler, Danny (3 August 2025). "He's the bloke who tackled a tree. That's his legacy': 'Dog head' has final crack at Paul Kent". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 3 August 2025.
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