Prominent rugby league journalist and former NRL 360 host Paul Kent has publicly detailed his recent throat cancer diagnosis, revealing the emotional difficulty of telling his family and outlining a challenging treatment schedule that will sideline him from broadcasting.
An unexpected diagnosis and a positive outlook
Kent, 56, disclosed the severity of his condition during an episode of his Kenty Prime Time podcast. He explained that doctors have given him a positive prognosis, with a four out of five survival rate. Despite the daunting news, the veteran reporter expressed strong personal confidence in his recovery.
"I'm actually pretty good about it," Kent stated when asked if the diagnosis scared him. "I don't want to sound arrogant about it but I just think I'll be OK. Like I really think that I'm not going to be that one out of five." He emphasised his intention to follow medical advice while tackling the illness "my way."
The path to diagnosis and the road ahead
The first signs emerged during last year's rugby league Ashes tour in the UK, where Kent felt unusually fatigued. Initially attributing it to jet lag, the tiredness persisted upon his return to Australia. The crucial moment came when he noticed a lump on his neck while at home, leading to a doctor's visit and a subsequent biopsy that confirmed cancer.
Kent has begun treatment at Sydney's Chris O'Brien Cancer Treatment Centre. His regimen involves intensive radiotherapy targeting his neck, requiring him to wear a tightly fitted mask to prevent movement during the 15-minute sessions. A significant side effect will likely be blistering in his throat, necessitating a feeding tube as eating becomes impossible.
He admitted the hardest part was breaking the news to his partner, Sam, and his daughter. "It's tough, it's tough telling everyone mate," he said.
Rugby league community rallies and a planned return
Kent spoke warmly of the support from the rugby league community, highlighting a spontaneous lunch organised by close friend and former colleague Ben Ikin. Figures like Billy Moore, Paul Crawley, and Yvonne Sampson were among those who attended to show solidarity. "Rugby league people are good," Kent said. "They rally around when one of their own is in a bit of trouble."
Due to the aggressive nature of his treatment, Kent does not expect to return to presenting his podcast until around round three of the 2026 NRL season, which kicks off on March 19. He decided to go public to pre-empt speculation about his absence from coverage when the football season begins.
"I tried to get it all started about a month or so ago... but that's not going to happen now," Kent explained. "The worst part of my [treatment] will be at the end of it, which will be right on when footy is starting." The former Parramatta Eels grade player, who was sacked by Fox Sports in 2024 following an off-field incident, has since found success in podcasting with Kenty Prime Time and Kenty Blitz.
