Its not often journalists find themselves the talent during an interview, but after the A-League launch Tuesday afternoon at AAMI Park, the Corner Flag’s Sean Ellicott had a chat with Fox Sports’ Tara Rushton.
Hosting the A-League launch in Melbourne with colleague Simon Hill, the 29-year-old has loved every moment of her time with Fox Sports after starting a little over a month ago.
“It’s been awesome, whirlwind. Started about six weeks ago and kind of started for two weeks and had to move back and have to pack all my stuff from Singapore but it’s been awesome.”
Settling into the position with ease, Rushton explained that her fun loving co-hosts had welcomed her and quickly adopted her into their ranks.
“The boys are wicked. They’ve been really really accommodating, and really helpful – awesome. Totally understand what its like to be the new girl at school so every has been really great, kind and helpful.”
Before joining the Fox Sports team, the Perth-born former model and actress had previously worked and lived in Singapore presenting a show on the English Premier League, bringing in a wealth of experience and first hand knowledge of football with her.
“I have been living in Singapore for three years presenting a show on the EPL, a live show. I’ve always followed the Premier League.”
Rushton was quick to show her colours, declaring her loyalty for North London outfit Arsenal in her best English accent.
“Arsenal! Arsenal! C’mon you Gunners!”
Aside from her knowledge of the English game, Rushton closely followed the A-League during her stint in Singapore and credited ex-Perth Glory and NSL player PJ Roberts for keeping her updated.
“I was working with an ex-Perth glory player for the last couple of years – PJ Roberts. I’ve always had a great interest in the A-League. I’m really excited to be covering it and its something that I’ve always been following profusely outside of the English Premier League.”
Of course working for Fox Sports comes with a busy schedule but the new girl on the block appears to be handling the situation with ease.
“Everyone’s like are you stressed? You don’t look stressed. I say I’m kind of okay but it’s quite busy.”
With the ninth instalment of the Hyundai A-League about to kick off, Rushton has already had her hands full interviewing players and coaches, most notably Newcastle’s Emile Heskey and Sydney FC’S Alessandro Del Piero of late.
“It is just gearing up to the beginning of the A-League and we’ve had all the teams come through Fox Sports. I’ve been doing a couple one on one interviews and meeting the boys and the coaches. They’ve been really great to me one on one and chatting to me about life outside of football.”
We can expect the presenter to be fulfilling quite a few roles on our television screens over the season, with Kick off airing on Sunday nights on Fox Sports after the final game of the round.
“I will be hosting Kick Off and I will sideline during pre and post-games. I’ve also done a couple of B-League skits, some really really funny ones. I love those guys, I think they’re genius!”