Fox League Presenter Jake Duke Addresses Viral Dally M Awards Staring Incident
Fox League presenter Jake Duke has publicly spoken for the first time after being caught on camera appearing to check out NRLW star Tiana Penitani during the 2025 Dally M Awards ceremony. The popular broadcaster was seen staring at Penitani while standing beside her as she interviewed fellow NRLW player Jessica Sergis last October.
Duke Claims He 'Zoned Out' During Interview
The vision of this moment quickly went viral across social media platforms, with some fans defending Duke by suggesting 'he's only human after all'. Now, the 32-year-old broadcaster has revealed that he was not actually giving the Cronulla Sharks star the eye, but rather had momentarily lost focus.
'I kind of zoned out during the interview, so that's not good to admit,' Duke confessed during an appearance on the Season Ticket Holders podcast. 'I kind of looked down and saw Tiana's hand move, and that kind of caught my attention, and she moved it over near Jess.'
Duke elaborated further on the awkward situation, explaining how production staff intervened. 'It just doesn't look good. And then literally, the director in my ear said, "Look up, look up," and then I realised and I'm like, "Oh no,"' he added.
Social Media Reaction to the Viral Moment
Immediately after the footage aired, numerous viewers flocked to social media to comment on and poke fun at the awkward interaction. The response was mixed, with some offering understanding while others made light of the situation.
- 'You can't blame him. As the saying goes… if you've got it, flaunt it! She's definitely got it,' one person commented.
- 'He is only human. Give him a break,' wrote another supporter.
- 'He's thinking her guns are bigger than mine,' joked a third observer.
- 'Lucky man... Or unlucky the camera got him,' claimed another social media user.
Controversy Surrounding Coach of the Year Snub
The 2025 Dally M Awards night was also marred by a separate controversy involving the Coach of the Year award. Ivan Cleary was once again notably absent from the list of finalists, despite his impressive achievements with the Penrith Panthers.
The Penrith Panthers boss had lifted his team from the bottom of the ladder to a sixth consecutive preliminary final against the Brisbane Broncos, which they nearly won. Cleary has only won the Coach of the Year award once, back in 2020, and has not repeated this victory despite the Panthers' historic four-peat dynasty.
Instead, the shortlist featured Ricky Stuart, Cameron Ciraldo, and Michael Maguire, with the Raiders coach ultimately taking home the award. Many fans have criticized the points system for failing to recognize Cleary's remarkable turnaround of the Penrith team, which went from last place after twelve rounds to reaching a preliminary final.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will open their season away from home against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, continuing their competitive journey in the NRL.
