Karl Stefanovic has joked he is prepared to make a 'job swap' with the fellow Nine star who is rumoured to be the top contender to replace him on Today. The breakfast show host, 51, was responding to reports speculating that Rodger Corser is set to replace him on Today once Stefanovic's network contract expires at the end of 2026.
Appearing on Triple M Breakfast with Beau, Cat & Woodsy on Thursday, the media veteran said he would happily take on Corser's role as host of The Floor. 'I mean, Rodger Corser is a fabulous human being, and he's very good at that game show,' Stefanovic said. 'So I'm happy to do a job swap with him and go to Amsterdam for 40 weeks of the year,' he added, referencing the fact Corser, 53, films the series in the Netherlands.
Elsewhere in the chat, Triple M host Beau Ryan dismissed industry rumours that Stefanovic would soon exit Nine after 25 years at the network. 'Karlos is about to extend with the Today Show forever. And if he doesn't, they'll be sorry,' he said. 'But Rodger Corser is working his way through. Actors, mate,' Ryan said, referring to the Doctor Doctor star's previous career.
It was a cue for Stefanovic to take a dig at his Channel Seven rival, former Olympian Matt 'Shirvo' Shirvington. 'I like it. I like it,' he said of Corser's past life as an actor. 'I mean, [Sunrise has] a sprinter,' Stefanovic added cheekily.
Stefanovic appeared to be responding to a report in the latest edition of New Idea. 'Rodger has suddenly come into focus as the perfect person to replace Karl,' an insider told the publication. 'He can handle a "big-ticket" TV program. He's smart, likeable and knowledgeable – and let's face it, he looks good on camera. The execs at Nine would love to sign him up for Today – when that co-host spot becomes available.'
Corser made his debut as host of Nine's The Floor last year, which went on to score blockbuster ratings for the network. It comes after Stefanovic all but confirmed speculation he is set to exit the Today show. He made the slip during an awkward interview with One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce for his podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show.
Joyce, 59, was being interviewed by Stefanovic in a pub in Albury ahead of the Farrar by-election when he turned the tables on his host. After Stefanovic asked Joyce whether he was ready to 'grow a pair' and return to the lower house, the politician fired back with: 'Are you going to grow a set and tell us you're leaving Channel Nine?'
'Hey, I'm not an elected official… I'm a paid-up employee, and I love it,' Stefanovic replied, struggling to contain his laughter. After Stefanovic said he was 'happy' in his role at Nine, Joyce told the crew the TV host was 'shutting me down'. 'What an a***hole you are,' Stefanovic shot back, appearing to concede Joyce might know more than he was letting on.
