A former Channel 7 sports presenter is set to return to television in 2026, rejoining his former network after several years away from the screen.
According to a report by the Daily Telegraph, Matt White will return to Channel 7, where he previously spent a decade hosting major sporting and news coverage.
The 55-year-old had stepped away from television in recent years to work in radio, joining SEN mornings after departing Channel 10 in 2020, where he fronted the network’s motorsport coverage.
During his decade at Seven, White hosted a wide range of programming, including Supercars, the Olympic Games, Formula One and Australian Open tennis.
He will return to the network on January 18, filling in for Seven sports presenter Mel McLaughlin during her leave following the network’s summer cricket coverage.
White has spent recent years running a farm with his wife on New South Wales’ mid north coast. In 2026, however, he will lead Seven’s rugby league coverage throughout the NRL season, as well as the Rugby League World Cup later in the year.
“I’m pumped, ready to rumble, it is time to come back,” White told the Daily Telegraph.
“The chance to do what I love, which is live TV again, is something that I don’t take for granted.”
His return comes amid reports that Seven is considering a bid for the next NRL television rights deal, which will commence when the current agreement expires at the end of 2027.
Fox Sports, Channel 9, Channel 7 and a streaming service are expected to be involved in negotiations, which are being overseen by league boss Peter V’landys.
White’s comeback follows the redundancy of long-serving sports reporter Matt Carmichael, who departed Seven last year after 23 years with the network.
During his previous stint at Channel 7, White also hosted several programs including current affairs show Today Tonight.
Reflecting on his time in radio, White said, “It has been a rollercoaster … both exhilarating and scary.”
“It is never boring and I guess as somebody who likes to challenge themselves, that’s exactly what I have done.
“And to be honest, sometimes it is not a bad thing being a little bit off Broadway in our game.”
White left SEN following a series of programming changes announced late last year.
The station has confirmed a revised 2026 schedule, with Andrew Voss hosting the 9am to 12pm timeslot from Monday to Thursday, Matty Johns hosting Fridays, and Adam Peacock taking over the Drive program from 3pm to 6pm.
SEN chief executive Craig Hutchison said, “I want to thank Matt White for his outstanding contribution over the past five years – his professionalism and passion have helped shape SEN Sydney into what it is today.”
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