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Australian league legend Wally Lewis is on sick leave from Channel 9 after he again failed to complete the television sports news. But he is expected to return next year.
Lewis, who reads the Brisbane sports news for Nine, froze on air for a second time in as many weeks on Thursday night.
When the bulletin resumed after a commercial break, Lewis said, "Good evening", but couldn't continue and appeared disoriented.
Programme managers switched straight to the preview story on the Ashes cricket test before newsreader Bruce Paige continued reading the sports bulletin without explanation.
Paige also was forced to read the November 16 sports news when Lewis read the preview but disappeared when the bulletin returned after the break.
A Channel 9 spokesman said Lewis would seek a medical opinion.
"Wally is unwell ... and he'll be taking medical leave," the spokesman said, adding he expected Lewis, who turned 47 yesterday, to return to the screen next year.
The former Kangaroos captain, who was meant to start six weeks' annual leave from next Friday, would not be seen on air for the rest of the year.
There was no detail given about Lewis' medical condition.
Lewis was named one of seven Rugby League Immortals after an illustrious playing career.
He ensured Queensland dominated the State of Origin series in the 1980s, earning the nicknames "The Emperor of Lang Park" and "The King". A bronze statue of Lewis stands outside Suncorp Stadium, formerly Lang Park.
He played 31 games for Queensland from 1980-91 and represented Australia in 33 matches from 1981-91, captaining them from 1984-89.
- NZPA
