Fox League presenter Yvonne Sampson has opened up about a memorable encounter with former prime minister Bob Hawke following the death of cricket legend Richie Benaud in 2015. In a candid interview on the Hello Sport podcast with hosts Tom Birmingham and Eddy Simpson, Sampson recounted meeting Hawke while Channel Nine's Wide World of Sports was assembling a tribute to Benaud.
The Meeting with Bob Hawke
Sampson described the meeting in Hawke's office, where the former prime minister asked about her profession. 'I met him in his office and he asked me, "What do you do with yourself?"' she recalled. 'I replied, "I'm a sports reporter, Mr Hawke."' One of the producers added, 'She's got a big future, Mr Hawke.' Hawke's response was characteristically cheeky: 'I don't know what is in front of you, but you have a great behind.'
Rather than being offended, Sampson found the comment hilarious. 'I loved it,' she said, adding that the compliment 'put a bit of lead in my pencil.' The exchange showcased Hawke's larrikin nature, a trait often associated with the former Labor leader.
Career Moves and Mentorship
Sampson, who began her media career on Queensland's Sunshine Coast with the Seven Network before moving to Sydney in 2014 to join Nine, also discussed her transition to Fox Sports in 2016. 'My contract was about to finish, so I agreed in principle to leave after chatting with Fox Sports Managing Director Steve Crawley,' she explained. 'Channel Nine threatened gardening leave, so I had to hire a manager, George Mimis, and he sorted everything out. I was sad to leave Nine, but it was the right move; Fox has been amazing.'
Over the past decade, Sampson has demonstrated remarkable versatility on-screen, from anchoring State of Origin coverage to conducting in-depth interviews on Fox League's Face to Face program. She is also committed to supporting young women aspiring to careers in sports journalism, offering work experience and mentorship. A long-time Brisbane Broncos fan, Sampson married fellow media personality Chris O'Keefe in 2018.
