Tiffany Salmond was once the breakout star of rugby league broadcasts — a polished, high-energy Kiwi reporter who didn’t just ask questions, she understood the game.
But now, after a season of headline-making drama and an unexpected disappearance from TV, fans are wondering: Where did Tiffany go?
And more importantly: when is she coming back?
Rising Star in Rugby League
At just 26, Salmond built a name for herself on both sides of the Tasman. The New Zealand-born reporter carved out a strong presence on the sidelines for outlets like Sky Sport, RNZ, and Fox Sports, regularly covering Warriors matches and appearing across NRL coverage.
What made her stand out? According to fans, it wasn’t just her style, it was her substance.
“You don’t just ask generic questions,” one viewer commented. “You know what you’re talking about and always seem to have a good relationship with whoever you interview.”
With nearly 40,000 followers and a profile that balances journalistic grit with curated glamour, Salmond became a standout personality in a traditionally male-dominated space.
A Late-Night Call, a Breakup, and a Bikini Post
But Tiffany’s name took a sharp turn into tabloid territory in February 2024, when she was linked to the breakup of fellow reporters Jake Duke (Fox Sports) and Grace Fitzgibbon (Channel 7).
The catalyst? A late-night phone call from Tiffany to Duke, one she claims was innocent and made without knowing he had a girlfriend.
That detail didn’t stop the headlines.
Soon after, Fitzgibbon moved out of Duke’s apartment. Tiffany, meanwhile, deleted an Instagram photo of herself in a bikini with the caption:
“Stay with your gf, I’m not that bored.”
It was a lyric from Ariana Grande, but the internet took it as a pointed message and ran with it.
Tiffany never directly addressed the fallout, but the post’s deletion and her public silence didn’t stop speculation from swirling.
Targeted by AI: The Deepfake That Shook Her Career
Just as the gossip started to cool, another blow hit. And this time far more sinister.
In early 2024, Tiffany became the victim of a deepfake attack, with AI-generated explicit content falsely claiming to feature her. The disturbing video circulated widely, and Tiffany spoke out about the violation.
“It’s frustrating when politics gets in the way of doing the work you love,” she posted. “But to still feel this much demand and backing from so many is something I never take for granted.”
Despite beginning the 2025 NRL season in her usual sideline role, she soon vanished from broadcasts. By April, she had quietly relocated from Auckland to Sydney, captioning her move simply: “Left the home advantage.”
Still Standing — and Still Supported
While industry “politics” may have paused her on-air roles, Tiffany’s audience hasn’t gone anywhere.
On Instagram, her comments are flooded with love:
“You are the best in the business.”
“I’m so glad I’m not the only one who’s missed you on NRL coverage.”
“I’d give up my left leg to see you on screen again.”
Salmond says the messages haven’t gone unnoticed.
“Even knowing that a sideline role is pretty interchangeable and I barely had much screen time — to still be receiving this kind of support, all this time later, mid-season, it’s humbling.”
What’s Next for Tiffany Salmond?
Despite the personal and professional setbacks, Tiffany remains focused and optimistic.
“There are some really exciting opportunities now opening up,” she told Daily Mail. “Particularly in entertainment, as well as in sport.”
She’s hinted at a return to screens “very soon,” and with a fan base this loyal, it’s clear the demand is there.
