NRL world sends flood of messages as husband confirms news about Yvonne Sampson
Yvonne Sampson is set to take a temporary break from her TV role with Fox League after it was revealed over the weekend that she's expecting her second child. The popular NRL host is in the latter stages of her pregnancy, but has kept the lovely news a secret the whole time despite being due in July.
Sampson's husband Chris O'Keefe confirmed to the that they're expecting a second child to join son Henry. "Henry's about to be promoted to big brother and we're absolutely thrilled. Chaos incoming," he said.
O'Keefe said they've been keen to keep their private life as private as possible, hence why they didn't reveal the pregnancy news earlier. But he said some of Sampson's Fox League colleagues suspected something was up during the NRL's opening round in Las Vegas.
Sampson was heading up Fox League's coverage, but spent a lot of her downtime in her hotel room. "When Vonny locked herself in her hotel room in Vegas for Round 1, a few of her colleagues started to suspect something was up," he said. "But we managed to keep it quiet, it's important to us to keep our private life, private.
"She's an extraordinary mum. She is not just the heart of our home, but the brains, legs, arms and everything else too. I'm honestly just trying to keep up. Henry absolutely adores Vonny, watching them together fills me with so much happiness."
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Speaking in February about the trip to Vegas, Sampson said she wouldn't be letting her hair down. "I will be packing my dignity because it's a work trip," she said on SEN radio. "I can't say the same for the entire Fox crew because some of them do like to party, but I'll be last in and first out.
"[Fox Sports bosses] are very particular about [the rules]. We don't single anyone out but we do have an all-encompassing briefing and there are documents we have to sign that say 'I understand my responsibilities'. All of the rules that apply to out workplace (in Sydney) apply in Vegas."
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With Sampson on maternity leave, Fox League have had to shuffle the decks to fill the void. Braith Anasta will move to Super Saturday, while Lara Pitt takes over the Friday night coverage. Jake Duke has been promoted to host the Sunday Ticket, while Jess Yates will stay on for Thursday Night Footy.
Fans sent a flood of messages on social media to congratulate Sampson and O'Keefe after learning the pregnancy news. One person wrote: "So good. Both nice people." Another commented: "Congratulations - make sure you come back Vonnie you are a superb commentator."
So good. Both nice people.
— Bobby from Boat Harbour (@BoatHarbourBob) June 14, 2025
Lover her spirit Congratulations
— We The People (@WeThePe33057894) June 14, 2025
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