Channel 9 has today confirmed popular presenters James Bracey and Roz Kelly will join the 9News Sydney sports desk full time delivering a new look for Sydney’s No.1 news service.
The ultra-versatile Bracey sits beside news anchor Peter Overton on the 9News desk for the Sunday to Thursday 6.00pm bulletins, while Kelly steps up for the weekend rounds of sport on Friday and Saturday nights alongside Georgie Gardner.
The announcement of the refreshed line-up comes after the sudden departure of Cameron Williams from the sports presenter role in March.
Already a well-known face to viewers on Nine’s Wide World of Sports coverage, James was humbled by being chosen to step into the 9News Sydney team permanently.
“Sport and Nine go hand-in-hand, so I’m over the moon to join the 9News team.
I grew up admiring Ken Sutcliffe and his on-air rapport with Brian Henderson and Peter Overton. It’s surreal to now find myself in that same chair alongside Pete.”
James Bracey
Roz Kelly, who shot to prominence in her first stint at 9News from 2010 to 2014, said:
“The Nine newsroom holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I honed my craft as a young reporter coming through the ranks, picking the brains of Ken Sutcliffe, Tim Sheridan, Peter Overton, Georgie Gardner and Damian Ryan, just to name a few.
“I have carried their advice with me throughout my career, so to now officially return to the newsroom where it all began and reconnect with this world-class team is a great honour and responsibility not lost on me.”
9News Sydney chief presenter, Peter Overton, said:
“I am delighted to work alongside James and Roz and it’s terrific to have them joining our news team. They are so good at what they do and bring great energy to their roles.”
9News Sydney 6.00pm newsreader, Georgie Gardner, added:
“James and Roz are great assets to the 6.00pm news team and will enhance our bulletins with their breadth of sporting knowledge and broadcasting experience.
They bring great passion and professionalism and are thoroughly deserving of their new roles.”
Roz will also step into the role as host of Sports Sunday as well as continuing her Super Rugby and tennis commitments. James will continue to host NRL on Nine, including State of Origin and the NRL Grand Final, as well as the Australian Open.
Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said:
“Roz Kelly is one of Australia’s most versatile and experienced sports hosts and we are thrilled to have her taking the reins of our flagship national program, Sports Sunday. Her depth of knowledge and passion across all sports makes her the perfect person for the role.
“Along with Sports Sunday and 9News, Roz will continue in her role as an integral member of our Australian Open and Stan Sport Rugby coverage.”
9News has remained Sydney’s No.1 news bulletin for 11 consecutive years in Sydney.
