Paul Vautin, affectionately known as “Fatty,” is one of Australian rugby league’s most enduring and beloved figures. Paul built a multifaceted career that spanned elite-level playing, coaching, and broadcasting. His distinctive mix of grit, leadership, and humour helped define multiple generations of rugby league.

Paul began his rugby league journey in Queensland, playing for Wests in Brisbane before moving to Sydney in 1979 to join the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. Over the course of a 13-season first-grade career with Manly, he became a cornerstone of the team’s forward pack. He played 204 games for the club and captained the Sea Eagles to a premiership in 1987 under coach Bob Fulton. As a player, Paul was known for his toughness, determination, and work ethic rather than flashy skills or athleticism. What he lacked in size or speed, he made up for with resilience and leadership—qualities that earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike.

At the representative level, Paul was a proud Queenslander who played 22 State of Origin matches between 1982 and 1990. He was a key part of the Maroons during an era when State of Origin was reaching its full cultural impact in Australian sport. Paul also represented Australia in 13 Test matches, reinforcing his status as one of the top forwards of his generation.

Following his retirement from playing in the early 1990s, Paul made an unexpected but highly successful leap into coaching. In 1995, he was appointed coach of the Queensland State of Origin team. Despite having no prior coaching experience and losing several key players due to the Super League war, Paul led the Maroons to a stunning 3–0 series whitewash over New South Wales. The achievement remains one of the most memorable coaching triumphs in Origin history and firmly established him as more than just a former player with media credentials.

While Paul’s playing and coaching achievements were significant, it was his broadcasting career that made him a household name. In 1994, he became the face of The Footy Show on the Nine Network, a weekly program that mixed rugby league coverage with comedy and light entertainment. His easy-going charm, self-deprecating humour, and chemistry with co-hosts like Peter Sterling and later personalities like Matty Johns turned the show into a cultural phenomenon. Paul remained a fixture on Nine’s rugby league coverage for over three decades, until announcing his retirement in 2024 after 33 years with the network.

Paul’s legacy in Australian sport goes beyond statistics or highlights. He represented the working-class ethos of rugby league, earning his accolades through heart, loyalty, and character. Whether captaining a premiership team, coaching a miracle Origin series win, or making millions laugh on television, Paul’s presence has been a constant in the game. His contributions have left a lasting imprint on rugby league culture and continue to resonate with players and fans alike.